Falana Accuses Lagos Government of Contempt Over Oworonshoki Demolitions

 Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has accused the Lagos State Government of contempt of court following the demolition of more than 100 houses in the Oworonshoki area of the state, allegedly in defiance of a valid court injunction.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Falana said Justice A.G. Balogun of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, had granted an order of interim injunction restraining the state government, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) from carrying out further demolitions in parts of Oworonshoki.

According to Falana, the injunction specifically covered properties located on Ajileru Street, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Extension, all within the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Area of Oworonshoki. The court order, he explained, was meant to remain in force pending compliance with the pre-action protocol required under the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules.

The Senior Advocate stated that the order was duly served on the state government and its relevant agencies on October 24, but despite this, the authorities allegedly mobilized over 50 armed policemen and thugs to continue the demolition exercise.

“The Lagos State Government has acted in utter contempt of a valid and subsisting order of the High Court. Such conduct undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent,” Falana said.

He called on the state government to immediately halt further demolitions and respect judicial authority, warning that continued defiance could attract sanctions for contempt of court.

The demolitions, which have sparked public outrage, reportedly displaced hundreds of residents in the affected communities, with many accusing the government of high-handedness and lack of due process.

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