Deeper Life Bible Church has rejected a ₦10 million compensation offered by the Surulere Local Government over the demolition of its building at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos.
The church is now asking for either proper valuation of the demolished structure or a new plot of land nearby where members can continue their worship without interruption.
Mr Taiwo Kupolati, the church’s spokesperson, told reporters on Friday that the demolition, carried out on May 27 by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, came as a shock to the congregation.
“Our members are raising questions on the legality of the action,” he said. “For commensurate compensation to be made, the church wants proper valuation of the property.”
He added that the ₦10 million offer was far from acceptable and the church would prefer relocation to a nearby area if fair compensation could not be met.
The church has also written to the acting Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone Two, seeking protection from any harassment as the legal process continues.
“As a peaceful organisation, we chose the legal route to settle the matter,” Kupolati said. “We were told that LASBCA acted on its own. But we know the local government had earlier indicated interest in the land.”
Responding to the situation, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, said the state government was not behind the demolition and maintained that the issue was handled at the local government level.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has always promoted fairness. We hold Deeper Life Church in high regard. The state government did not order the demolition,” Omotoso said.
He added that talks had already started between the government and church representatives, with the Special Adviser on Religious Matters currently engaging with the church.
