Speaking to journalists on Friday, the church’s spokesperson, Mr. Taiwo Kupolati, disclosed that the structure was pulled down on May 27 by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). He noted that the church is seeking a fair valuation of the property and insists on either commensurate financial compensation or allocation of a replacement plot within the vicinity to continue its worship activities.

“Our members are questioning the legality of the action,” Kupolati stated. “The church is demanding proper valuation before compensation. We also rejected the ₦10 million earlier offered by Surulere Local Government, as it does not reflect the true value of the property.”

Kupolati added that the church has reached out to the Nigeria Police Zone Two Command to ensure protection of its members and prevent harassment while worship continues on the site pending resolution of the matter.

He emphasized that the church is pursuing legal options peacefully and expressed concern about the potential interest shown in the land by local authorities. “We understand that LASBCA acted independently, but we also know that the local government had shown prior interest in the land,” he said.

In response, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, clarified that the demolition was not sanctioned by the state government. “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has always advocated fairness and holds Deeper Life Church in high regard,” he said. “The state did not order the demolition; this was a local government issue.”

Omotoso confirmed that discussions were ongoing with the church and that the Governor’s Special Adviser on Religious Matters (Christian Affairs) had been assigned to mediate and engage with stakeholders on the matter.

As the situation unfolds, both parties have indicated a willingness to resolve the issue amicably.

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Deeper Life Bible Church and the Surulere Local Government in Lagos have started talks to resolve the conflict over the demolition of the church’s branch in Lawanson.

A meeting was held on Wednesday between the church leaders, Surulere LGA Chairman Sulaimon Bamidele, and representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria. The Nigeria Police facilitated the meeting to ease tensions after the demolition.

The church said the demolition was illegal and went against a court order. According to the church, Lagos State agencies and Surulere council officials destroyed the building at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, despite a legal order to stop all actions.

District Pastor Israel Adeagbo said the church had been at the location since 2007. In January 2024, the local government gave notice of plans to remove the building. This happened even though the matter was still in court.

Just two days after the demolition, the government began building a shopping complex on the land. This move sparked anger among the church members.

After the meeting, Group Pastor Alfred Oghene said the talks were peaceful and focused on finding a way forward. He said the church was hurt by the demolition but willing to talk.

He confirmed that the local government promised to consult its legal team and respond soon. The church is waiting for a clear proposal in writing or by other means.

The church’s lawyer, Taiwo Kupolati, SAN, said one of their main requests was a new place of worship. He also asked that all construction on the land stop until the matter is resolved.

Kupolati said the chairman of the local government agreed to return with a plan. He promised to consider justice, peace, and the well-being of the worshippers. Until then, no new work should take place on the land.

He stressed that the church wants peace, not a fight. They only want to protect their right to worship where they have been for 18 years. He added that he believed the chairman would be fair.

Kupolati said the meeting gave hope that an agreement could be reached. The key point, he said, is that the church must not be left without a place to worship.

Christian Nwogu, a representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria, was also at the meeting. He said the court had already ordered that the church be restored. He urged the government to respect the ruling.

The church hopes for a peaceful solution soon. Talks will continue in the coming days.

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