Deeper Life Church Declines ₦10m Compensation, Seeks Relocation Following Lagos Demolition

The Deeper Life Bible Church has called for commensurate compensation following the demolition of its church building at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos State.

The church also requested protection for its members while conducting lawful activities on the land, pending the resolution of the demolition case.

This was disclosed by the church’s spokesperson, Mr. Taiwo Kupolati, in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Friday.

Kupolati said that the church building was pulled down on May 27 by the Lagos State Building Control Agency.

“Our members are raising questions on the legality of the action,” he stated.

He added, “For commensurate compensation to be made, the church wants proper valuation of the property.”

The spokesperson also mentioned that the church rejected a ₦10 million compensation previously offered by the Surulere Local Government.

“Alternatively, the church demands that it should be relocated to another land within the vicinity to enable its members to continue their worship,” he said.

He noted that the church had reported the matter to the acting inspector-general of police in charge of Zone Two of the Nigeria Police Force, seeking protection for its members from harassment or intimidation while worshipping on the land pending resolution of the case.

Kupolati emphasized that as a peaceful organization, the church chose to resolve the issue through legal channels.

“We were told that LASBCA acted on its own. But we know the local government had earlier indicated interest in the land,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, stated that the state government had no involvement in the demolition and maintained good relations with the church.

“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,” he affirmed.

He added, “According to him, the demolition was a local government matter.”

“We have begun talks with representatives of the church. The governor’s special adviser on religious matters (Christian) is engaging with them,” the commissioner concluded.

— NAN