Outrage in Oworonshoki as Lagos demolishes homes despite court injunction

Outrage in Oworonshoki as Lagos demolishes homes despite court injunction

Confusion and anger gripped the Oworonshoki community in Lagos over the weekend as bulldozers rolled into Ajileru, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Streets, demolishing over 70 residential buildings in defiance of a subsisting court order.

The demolition, which occurred around midnight on Saturday, left hundreds of residents displaced, including children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Eyewitnesses said the operation was carried out under the cover of darkness and was accompanied by security operatives.

“We were told the court had stopped the demolition, so we stayed,” said a heavily pregnant resident, Adenike. “But around 1 a.m., bulldozers came again. I ran out barefoot with my children. We lost everything.”

The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja had on October 23, 2025, issued an interim injunction restraining the state government and its agencies from further demolitions in the area. The order, delivered by Justice A.G. Balogun in Suit No. ID/9910GCM/2025, specifically barred the government, the Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) from interfering with properties belonging to members of the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Association (CDA).

READ ALSO:

• Cash strikes as Villa beat Man City to mark Emery anniversary in style
• Mbappé, Bellingham star as Real Madrid edge Barcelona in Clásico
• Air Peace launches direct Abuja–London flights

The court also prohibited the creation of third-party interests or encumbrances on the disputed 30-hectare land pending compliance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Land Matters. The matter was adjourned to December 9 for a report of compliance.

Despite the injunction, residents say the demolition resumed without warning. “Our homes were demolished in the middle of the night despite the court order. People slept outside in the cold with their children. This is inhumane,” lamented Mr. Adewale, a landlord.

Community leaders have condemned the action, describing it as a violation of the rule of law and a betrayal of public trust. They said no compensation or enumeration was carried out before the renewed demolition.

Legal representatives of the community confirmed that the court order remains valid and warned that the demolition constitutes contempt of court. “This is a flagrant disregard for judicial authority. We will be filing a formal petition and contempt proceedings,” one of the lawyers said.

The disputed land has long been the subject of a protracted battle between residents and unidentified developers. As of Sunday, the once-thriving neighbourhood had been reduced to rubble, with families scavenging for remnants of their belongings.

Residents have called on the Lagos State Government, human rights organisations, and the Federal Government to intervene and uphold the sanctity of the court’s decision.

Outrage in Oworonshoki as Lagos demolishes homes despite court injunction