Deeper Life Bible Church Accuses Lagos State Agencies of Unlawful Demolition and Religious Harassment

Deeper Life Bible Church Accuses Lagos Agencies of Unlawful Demolitions

Deeper Life Bible Church has accused several Lagos State government agencies of unlawfully demolishing its properties, alleging systematic harassment and religious discrimination.

In a statement issued Thursday by its legal counsel, Nojim Tairu & Co., the church described a “pattern of hostility” from state authorities, claiming branches in Yaba, Olorunishola, and Lawanson were among those targeted. The demolitions, according to the church, were carried out by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Surulere Local Government.

“Deeper Life Bible Church, a long-standing faith-based institution serving communities across Lagos and beyond, strongly condemns these unjust and unwarranted actions,” the statement read. “These repeated attacks on our properties are not only a violation of our property rights but a direct affront to religious freedom.”

The church further alleged that several of its worship centres and community facilities had faced threats of demolition or had been subjected to undue restrictions in recent months.

Warning of the broader implications, the church said such government actions threaten the rights of religious organizations and set a troubling precedent. It called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to launch a thorough investigation into what it described as “a trend of intimidation and abuse.”

“As a law-abiding organization that promotes peace and unity, we urge civil society, religious groups, and international observers to speak out against this apparent oppression,” the statement added, vowing that the church “will not be silenced.”

In response, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, denied any targeted action against Deeper Life Bible Church. He clarified that the state government holds no hostility towards the church and is currently reviewing the situation.

“The Sanwo-Olu administration has no issue with Deeper Life. They are our partners, and we cannot act against their interest,” Omotoso said. He noted that while LAMATA typically oversees rail-related projects and compensates for any demolitions, the particular incident in question involved a local council.

“That property was demolished by a local government authority. It is a local matter, and we are engaging with the church,” he added.

Omotoso emphasized the government’s commitment to fairness and nondiscrimination, saying, “Governor Sanwo-Olu has always governed Lagos inclusively. We are investigating what happened and are already in talks with church representatives.”