The law firm of Falana & Falana Chambers has faulted the Lagos State Government over its claim that it was not served any court order before carrying out the latest round of demolitions in Oworonshoki, Lagos.
In a statement signed by Taiwo Olawanle, counsel to the firm, the chambers described the government’s position as “false and misleading,” insisting that a valid court order was duly served before the demolitions began.
According to Olawanle, the order was granted on October 23, 2025, and served the following day—Friday, October 24, 2025, before 3 p.m.—on the offices of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, with acknowledged copies received.
“After some hours of serving the court order, our office phone lines were inundated with calls from residents informing us that over 50 armed policemen with heavy-duty vehicles were already stationed around the area to commence fresh demolitions,” the statement read in part.
The firm added that Femi Falana, SAN, personally contacted top government officials, including Mr. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, the immediate past General Manager of LASBCA and current Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, to stop the demolition.
However, according to the statement, Oki allegedly threatened that the demolition would proceed “despite the court order and nothing would happen.”
Falana & Falana Chambers condemned the action, describing it as an act of lawlessness and impunity.
“Assuming, without conceding, that the government was unaware of the order, it still lacks the power to demolish any property in Lagos State without a court sanction,” the firm stated. “Doing otherwise amounts to contempt of court and a dangerous disregard for the rule of law.”
The chambers warned that continued defiance of valid court orders by government officials could trigger chaos and anarchy, undermining public confidence in the judiciary.
In a related development, the firm revealed that it had written to the Attorney-General and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, proposing a meeting on November 13, 2025, to explore an amicable resolution of the dispute.
A notice of the claimants’ intention to commence legal action against the Lagos State Government was also attached to the letter.
The claimants, represented by Falana & Falana Chambers, are members of the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Association, Oworonshoki.
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