The Deeper Life Bible Church has accused Lagos State government agencies of unlawfully demolishing several of its properties across the state, describing the actions as unjust and indicative of systematic harassment.
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by its legal representatives, Nojim Tairu & Co., the church condemned what it called “an alarming pattern of hostility” by government bodies.
According to the church, its branches in Yaba, Olorunishola, and Lawanson were among those affected, with the demolitions allegedly carried out by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Surulere Local Government.
“Deeper Life Bible Church, a longstanding pillar of faith and community service providers with branches in different parts of Lagos State and beyond, strongly condemns the ongoing unjust and unwarranted actions by the Lagos State Government and its agencies, which have systematically targeted some of the church’s properties and locations,” the statement read.
The church further asserted that it had suffered threats of demolition and restrictions at several of its worship centres and community facilities in recent months.
It warned that such aggressive moves not only violated property rights but also undermined religious freedom in the state.
“These actions threaten the fundamental rights of a faith-based community and set a dangerous precedent,” the church stated.
“We call on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently investigate this trend of intimidation and abuse. As an organisation, we have always abided by the laws of the land and contributed to the peace and unity of Lagos.”
In its appeal, the church urged religious groups, civil society actors, and international observers to speak out against what it characterised as religious oppression. It maintained that it would not be cowed by the ongoing situation.
“We refuse to be intimidated or silenced by unjust actions. We are prepared to pursue all necessary legal avenues to defend our rights and ensure that Deeper Life Bible Church remains a sanctuary of hope and faith for all,” the statement concluded.
Reacting to the allegations, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, denied that the state government had any grievance against the church.
He said the matter was being reviewed, noting that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration had operated without discrimination.
“The government of Lagos State, under Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has nothing against Deeper Life. They are our friends, and we are close to them, so we cannot do anything that will jeopardise their interest,” Omotoso said.
He explained that the state’s transport authority, LAMATA, was responsible for projects involving rail infrastructure and typically offered compensation where demolitions occurred.
However, he clarified that the specific incident involving Deeper Life’s property was carried out by a local council.
“That was the one demolished by a local government, and that is a local matter,” he said.
“We have had people from the church bring this to our attention. I have personally asked the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters (Christian) to engage with them, and discussions have begun.”
Omotoso reiterated the government’s commitment to fairness, saying, “Governor Sanwo-Olu has run Lagos without any discrimination whatsoever. Unfortunately, this happened, but the government is investigating it.”
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‘Demolishing Our Properties is Unjust, Unwarranted’ – Deeper Life Tells Lagos State
