The Deeper Life Bible Church, led by respected cleric Pastor William F. Kumuyi, has raised strong concerns over the recent demolition of its buildings in Lagos State, describing the actions of certain government agencies as unjust, discriminatory, and targeted.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 5, through its legal counsel, Nojim Tairu & Co., the church alleged that several of its worship centres in Yaba, Olorunishola, and Lawanson were pulled down by different state and local government authorities.
The agencies named include the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Surulere Local Government Council.
The church expressed dismay over what it perceives as systematic harassment and disregard for due process, describing the incidents as a “disturbing trend” that infringes on the church’s constitutional rights.
“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 placed upon our places of worship and community centres,” the statement reads.
Asserting that the affected branches had been contributing positively to the Lagos community through spiritual guidance and social services, the church condemned the demolitions as oppressive and vowed to seek legal redress.
“We refuse to be intimidated or silenced by unjust actions. We are prepared to pursue all necessary legal avenues to defend our rights,” it said.
The church also called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
It further appealed to Nigerians, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, and the international community to speak out against what it termed “religious oppression and violations of property rights.”
In response to the allegations, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, dismissed claims of bias or hostility, stating that the state government operates fairly and without discrimination.
“All I can say is that the government has nothing against Deeper Life. Governor Sanwo-Olu has run Lagos without any discrimination whatsoever,” Omotoso said.
While government agencies have yet to provide a formal explanation for the demolitions, the tension surrounding the incident highlights the fragile balance between urban development policies and religious freedoms in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
