The Deeper Life Bible Church has called for adequate compensation and protection for its members following the demolition of its building at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere. The church’s attorney, Mr. Taiwo Kupolati, stated that the demolition, carried out by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) on May 27, 2025, has left members destitute and raised questions about the legality of the action.
“The demolition act has destituted the members, raising questions on the legality of the action,” Kupolati said in an interview with newsmen in Lagos. “For compensation to be seen to have been made, the Church wants proper valuation of the property to ascertain its commensurate value and not the earlier compensation of ₦10 million given by the Surulere Local Government Council that was rejected by the Church.”
The church is demanding a proper valuation of the property to determine its worth, rejecting the ₦10 million compensation offered by the Surulere Local Government Council as insufficient. Alternatively, the church wants to be relocated to another land within the vicinity to enable its members to continue their lawful activities.
“Alternatively, the Church demands that it be relocated in another land within the vicinity to enable its members carry out their lawful activities of worship,” Kupolati added.
The demolition sparked outrage among church members and the larger Christian community, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the action. Kupolati noted that the church has reported the matter to the Acting Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone Two, Onikan, seeking protection for its members from harassment or intimidation.
“As a peaceful organisation, the church chose the legal route and reported the issue to the police,” Kupolati said. “The police advised that both parties should explore dialogue to find a peaceful solution.”
However, the church is yet to see any meaningful progress in the talks. The Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, has stated that the state government did not order the demolition and has begun talks with church representatives.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has always promoted fairness,” Omotoso said. “We hold Deeper Life Church in high regard. The state government did not order the demolition. We have begun talks with representatives of the church. The governor’s Special Adviser on Religious Matters (Christian) is already engaging with them.”
Despite the commissioner’s statement, the church remains skeptical about the government’s intentions. Kupolati noted that evidence suggests the local government had earlier indicated interest in the land, contradicting claims that LASBCA acted on its own.
“We were told that LASBCA acted on its own,” Kupolati said. “But we know the local government had earlier indicated interest in the land. Meanwhile, we are seeking protection for our members and a just solution to this matter.”
The church and local government officials have met to reconcile the situation, but no resolution has been reached. The church remains committed to finding a peaceful solution while seeking justice and compensation for its members
