Deeper Life Bible Church condemns demolition of its properties in Lagos, accusing government agencies of religious oppression and violation of property rights

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]eeper Life Bible Church condemns demolition of several of its properties across Lagos State, calling the actions of state and local government agencies unjust, targeted, and a threat to religious freedom and property rights.

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In a statement released on Thursday and signed by its legal representatives, Nojim Tairu & Co., the church described the demolitions as part of a “systematic harassment” campaign against its places of worship and community centres in Yaba, Olorunishola, and Lawanson.

“Over the past months, our church has faced an alarming pattern of hostility from certain state agencies, leading to undue harassment, demolition threats, and unwarranted restrictions,” the statement read.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency, and the Surulere Local Government were named as the agencies involved in the demolitions.

The church’s legal counsel stressed that the actions violated the community’s fundamental rights and sent a worrying message about the state’s treatment of religious institutions.

“As a church dedicated to uplifting society through spiritual guidance, humanitarian efforts, and social empowerment, we will not relent in our commitment to peace, justice, and truth. We refuse to be intimidated or silenced by unjust actions.”

The church has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.

“Unfortunately, this happened, but the government is investigating it,” he added.

It also appealed to human rights groups, other religious organisations, and the international community to speak out against what it labelled religious oppression and violation of constitutional rights.

In response, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, denied that the government harbours any hostility toward the church.

“The government of Lagos State, under Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has nothing against Deeper Life. They are our friends, and we are close to them, so we cannot do anything that will jeopardise their interest,” Omotoso said.

He explained that LAMATA, responsible for infrastructure related to rail lines, normally pays compensation where demolitions are necessary.

Regarding the affected church properties, he clarified that at least one of the demolitions was carried out by a local government, calling it “a local matter” now under investigation.

Omotoso also revealed that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters (Christian) had already opened discussions with the church to resolve the issue.

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The incident has sparked concern among religious communities and civil society actors who see it as a litmus test for how Lagos balances infrastructure development with the protection of constitutional rights.