Surulere LG Chairman To Face Contempt Charge Over Unlawful Demolition Of Deeper Life Bible Church

A Lagos High Court has ordered Hon. Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf, Chairman of Surulere Local Government, to appear before it on June 30, 2025, to explain why he should not be charged with contempt of court. This comes after the local government unlawfully demolished the Deeper Life Bible Church at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos.

The church had been in possession of the property since 2007. However, in January 2024, the Surulere Local Government announced plans to demolish the church and build a modern market on the site. The church responded by filing a lawsuit against the local government, claiming ownership and preventing demolition.

“We will not be intimidated by the activities of the Surulere Local Government. “We have a valid court order and expect it to be followed,” a church representative stated.

Despite a court order prohibiting the local government from seizing the church’s property, the Surulere Local Government, led by its chairman, demolished the church’s fence on May 27, 2024, and the entire church premises on May 26, 2025.

“This demolition is an obvious example of executive lawlessness and disregard for the judiciary. Nojim Tairu, the church’s counsel, said: “We condemn it in the strongest terms.”

Justice E. O. Ashade then issued an order restoring the church to its property pending the outcome of the matter. The court also ordered Surulere Local Government’s chairman, head of administration, legal officer, and other management staff to appear in court to explain why they should not face contempt charges.

“We are confident that the court will uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of the church. “We will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion,” a church spokesperson said.

A Pattern of Attack

This demolition was not an isolated incident. There appears to be a systematic pattern of attacks on the Church, including desecration and demolition of her places of worship by Lagos State Government agencies. The chronicle includes:

1. Yaba Church was demolished by LAMATA on June 5, 2021.
2. Olorunishola Church in Ayobo was demolished by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) on July 5, 2024.
3. Lawanson Church, demolished by Surulere LG.

The cases highlight ongoing tensions between government agencies and private property owners in Lagos, raising concerns about the rule of law and property rights.