Council Faces Backlash Over Destroyed Worship Centre
The Surulere Local Council has promised to make things right after demolishing the Deeper Life Bible Church at 33 Aina Street, Lawanson, Lagos. The church had full legal ownership of the land, backed by proper documents and a court order.
Church Leaders Demand Justice
During a meeting, Council Chairman Bamidele Sulaiman Yusuf met with church officials. The delegation included Senior Advocate of Nigeria Tayo Okufolati and Group Pastor Alfred Ogene. They described the demolition as illegal and disrespectful to the court.
Pastor Bashiru Adesina, who leads the Yoruba congregation at the church, said the building was taken down overnight without warning. He added that church property was damaged and worshippers left stranded.
Council Builds Shops After Demolition
Soon after the church was demolished, the council began laying foundations for shops on the same site. This move caused outrage. Church leaders saw it as a land grab, especially since the matter was still in court.
Pastor Ogene said the church strongly opposed the council’s actions. He stressed that the demolition was unfair, disrespectful, and unlawful. Lawyer Tayo Okufolati added that the church had chosen peace, even though the council ignored the ongoing legal case.
Police Step In, Promise Peaceful Resolution
The Nigerian Police urged both sides to stay calm and work together to resolve the issue. Chairman Yusuf said he would meet with other authorities and give feedback within a week.
CAN Condemns Attack on Religious Freedom
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also reacted to the incident. CAN representative Christian Nwogu said the matter goes beyond one church. He called it a threat to religious freedom and pledged CAN’s support to protect churches across the country.
