Lagos, Nigeria – Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has condemned the Lagos State government for continuing the demolition of waterfront properties, describing the actions as illegal and a blatant disregard for court rulings.
In a statement released yesterday, Falana accused the state government of exhibiting “executive impunity” by flouting several judicial orders that had previously halted such demolitions.
“On June 22, 2017, the Lagos High Court declared illegal and unconstitutional the government-ordered evictions that displaced more than 30,000 Nigerians, awarding N3.5 million in reparation to affected residents,” Falana stated. The court also directed the state to engage with communities on resettlement plans to prevent further displacement.
Similarly, on August 25, 2025, the Federal High Court in Lagos restrained the state government, its agencies, and the Nigeria Police Force from carrying out any further demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, Sogunro, and Iwaya waterfront communities. These orders were aimed at protecting residents from the constant threat of eviction amid accusations that the land was being acquired for private development without proper compensation.
Falana further cited the Supreme Court ruling of January 7, 2024, in the dispute between the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Lagos State, which confirmed that exclusive control over inland waterways rests with the federal government through NIWA. According to Falana, the continued demolition of properties in waterfront communities violates this ruling, rendering the state’s actions illegal and unconstitutional.
“The Lagos State government’s demolition of schools, medical centres, and residential properties, resulting in deaths and mass displacement, is highly contemptuous of the Supreme Court and a clear sabotage of the judicial arm of government,” Falana said.
The senior lawyer urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to comply with all valid court judgments and halt further demolitions, reminding him of historical precedents where the government adhered to Supreme Court rulings to restore disputed properties.
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