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The law firm of Falana and Falana Chambers has denied the assertion made by the Attorney-General of Lagos State that he or any agency of the Lagos State Government was not served with a court order prior to the recent demolitions on Ajileru Street, Ososa Extension, and Toluwase Extension, located within the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development area of Oworonshoki, Lagos.
In a statement released by attorney Taiwo Olawanle on behalf of the firm, it was clarified that the order was granted on October 23, 2025.
The statement indicated that the enrolled order was properly served to the offices of the Honourable Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Lagos State, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development before 3 pm on Friday, October 24, 2025, with acknowledged copies received.
“Shortly after serving the court order, our office received numerous calls from residents alerting us that over 50 armed policemen with heavy-duty vehicles had been deployed to the area to initiate a new round of demolitions.
“In response to this situation, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, contacted several senior officials of the Lagos State Government, including the former General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Mr. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, who is now the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Urban Development, urging them to intervene and halt the planned demolitions. Mr. Oki responded by asserting that the demolitions would proceed regardless of the court order, stating that ‘nothing would happen.’
“Even assuming, without conceding, that the Lagos State Government was unaware of the order, they do not possess the authority to demolish any property in Lagos State without a court sanction. Acting otherwise, as seen in this instance, constitutes lawlessness and impunity,” the statement emphasized.
The firm warned that the Lagos State Government's disregard for a valid court order could incite chaos and anarchy, undermining public trust in the judicial system.
In a related matter, the firm announced that it had sent a letter to the Attorney-General and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, requesting a meeting on November 13 to discuss ways to amicably resolve the dispute.
A notice indicating the claimants' intention to initiate legal action against the state government was also included in the letter.
Falana’s clients, who are the claimants, are members of the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Association, Oworonshoki.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the court order about?
The court order was related to the prevention of demolitions on properties located on Ajileru Street, Ososa Extension, and Toluwase Extension in the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development area of Oworonshoki, Lagos.
What actions were taken by the law firm?
The law firm issued a statement refuting the Attorney-General's claims, confirmed the service of the court order, and reached out to government officials to halt the planned demolitions.
What are the implications of ignoring a court order?
Ignoring a court order can lead to chaos and erode public confidence in the judicial system, as it raises concerns about lawfulness and governance.
