The Lagos State Government has denied allegations that it willfully disobeyed a subsisting court order by continuing the demolition of houses in Oworonshoki, describing the claims as false, misleading, and unfair.
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, said in an interview with journalists that no valid court order was served on any agency of the state government before the latest phase of the demolition exercise.
Pedro insisted that contrary to public reports, the state did not flout any injunction, noting that as of the day the demolition took place, no government office had been officially notified of any restraining order.
“As of today, I am aware of the court order they are talking about. However, before the demolition exercise they are complaining about, the order was not served on any government agency. I believe the order was endorsed on Friday, October 24 — the same day the demolition took place. Even if the order was obtained that day, can a government office be served on Saturday? As at that time, no agency was aware of any such order,” he stated.
The Attorney-General emphasized that government agencies cannot act on verbal or unofficial information about court decisions. According to him, until a formal service of process is effected, the government cannot be accused of contempt.
“If there has been any order said to have been violated, my position is that no such order was brought to the attention of any government agency before the act being complained about,” Pedro said.
“Misuse of Court Process”
Pedro also faulted what he called the growing misuse of court processes to obstruct public interest, alleging that some litigants use the judiciary “as an instrument of oppression,” even after the government had acted with fairness and restraint.
He disclosed that the Oworonshoki demolition began almost a month ago but was temporarily halted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to give residents time to relocate. According to him, the government had also paid compensation to affected persons despite doubts over their legal ownership of the demolished structures.
“The demolition started almost a month ago. It was stopped by the Governor’s directive, and the people were thereafter paid compensation to enable them relocate. The case they are now referring to wasn’t even filed until recently, even though they were aware of the government’s plan for demolition over a month ago.
“They only went to engage a lawyer belatedly, possibly using the same compensation funds paid to them by the government to turn around and sue,” Pedro alleged.
“Order Obtained Without Hearing Government”
Pedro confirmed that he had seen a copy of the interim injunction referenced by residents but noted that it was an ex parte order obtained without hearing the government’s side.
“The order itself is to stop continuation of demolition, which shows that there had been demolition before. It was obtained ex parte. The government was not in court, and we were not part of the proceedings before the order was made — in breach of the principle of fair hearing,” he explained.
He added that as of the time of granting the interview, his office — listed as the first defendant in the suit — had not been formally served with any court papers.
“I was away in Akure for an official assignment over the weekend, but I called my office to confirm. As I speak, no order has been served. If indeed there is an order, it should be served on the Attorney-General first. That has not been done,” he said.
“Illegal Structures Have No Protection”
Pedro maintained that residents alleging illegal demolition must prove ownership and compliance with building regulations before claiming that their rights were violated.
“None of the people condemning the government has bothered to ask whether any of the demolished properties had building approvals. If you build without approval, the law is clear — such structures are illegal and subject to demolition.
“But we always react with sentiment and emotion, then blame the government for enforcing the law. We should stop using the media to legalize or justify illegality,” he said.
The Attorney-General cited recent building collapses in Lagos as justification for the government’s tough stance on illegal developments, stressing that decisive enforcement of planning laws was necessary to prevent future tragedies.
“Part of Oworonshoki Land Is Government Property”
Pedro further clarified that part of the Oworonshoki area is under a government acquisition scheme, while a portion has been excised to the Oba’s family.
“If the structures are within the excised land given to the Oba’s family, it would be wrong for the government to enter. But if they are within the government’s scheme, then the government has every right to act. Anyone claiming ownership must show title documents and approved building plans,” he emphasized.
He described the backlash against the government as “unfair and sentimental,” insisting that the state acted within the law and had not violated any valid court order.
“The government has not deliberately flouted any order. The narrative that we disobeyed the court is false. What we are witnessing is an attempt to blackmail the government for enforcing the law,” Pedro concluded.
The demolition of houses in Oworonshoki has sparked widespread outrage, with residents accusing the government of ignoring a court injunction.
However, the Lagos State Government maintains that only illegal structures built without approval on government-acquired land were affected, and that due process — including compensation — was followed before the operation.
