A cloud of tension and legal controversy hangs over the Oworonshoki community as Lagos State authorities, in a move condemned by residents and human rights groups, have proceeded with the demolition of over 70 houses despite a standing court injunction prohibiting the action.
The situation escalated on Thursday when operatives of the Lagos State Task Force reportedly fired tear gas to disperse residents attempting to resist the demolition, part of a state regeneration plan. The development has sparked outrage, with accusations of harsh tactics, inadequate compensation, and a flagrant disregard for the rule of law.
The demolitions, which took place at Ajileru, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Streets, occurred just days after Justice A.G. Balogun of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja issued an interim injunction on October 23. The order explicitly restrained the Lagos State Government and its agencies from any further demolition of properties belonging to members of the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Association (CDA).
Despite this, eyewitnesses report that bulldozers, escorted by security operatives, rolled into the community around midnight, operating under the cover of darkness to pull down structures.
“Our homes were demolished in the middle of the night without warning, despite the court injunction. People slept outside in the cold with their children. This is inhumane,” lamented a distraught landlord, who identified himself as Adewale.
Another resident, a heavily pregnant woman named Adenike, described a traumatic escape. “They told us the court had stopped the demolition, so we stayed. But around 1 a.m., bulldozers came again. I ran out barefoot with my children. We lost everything,” she said tearfully.
The chaotic scenes intensified on Thursday when Task Force officers used tear gas to control crowds, a moment captured in a video obtained by local reporters.
The use of force has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations.
Amnesty International issued a statement condemning the “violent forced evictions,” alleging that “some homes were torn apart by bulldozers while families were still inside.” The global organization called on the state government to “halt these attacks on people living in poverty,” stating that “punishing some people, because of their social status, for the state’s urban planning failures is unacceptable.”
Leaders of the Itesiwaju Ajumoni CDA have branded the government’s actions “a violation of the rule of law” and “a betrayal of public trust.” Legal representatives for the community have confirmed that the court order remains valid and enforceable, warning that the demolitions constitute a clear contempt of court.
“The actions of those behind this demolition represent a flagrant disregard for judicial authority. We will be filing a formal petition and contempt proceedings in the coming days,” one of the community’s lawyers told the press.
As displaced families sift through the rubble of their former homes, the community is appealing to the state and federal government, as well as human rights groups, for urgent intervention. The once-vibrant neighbourhood now lies in ruins, a stark visual representation of a deepening conflict between urban development agendas and the rights of residents.
The Lagos State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the use of force or the alleged violation of the court order.
