TRADERS, FAMILIES PROTEST ILLEGAL DEMOLITION AND DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTIES IN LAGOS

Administrators appointed by the court and beneficiaries of the estate of the late Chief Olatunde Lawrence, popularly known as Baba Gaskiya—founder of Gaskiya College and Cardoso Comprehensive High School, Ijora Badia—have cried out to the Nigerian government over alleged land grabbing and unlawful demolition of their father’s estate.

Despite the Lagos State Government’s commendable efforts in recent weeks, particularly with the introduction of the new tenancy law, there appear to be saboteurs frustrating these initiatives by inflicting hardship on innocent citizens. This was the concern expressed by the administrators following the alleged illegal demolition of properties located along Gaskiya College Road/Olubowade Street, belonging to the estate of Chief Olatunde Lawrence.

The demolition reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 4, and was allegedly carried out by suspected land grabbers in the company of officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. According to the estate’s lawyer, the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning, despite being notified and provided with legal documents proving ownership, went ahead to approve the demolition. A valid court order (PHC 990/98) had earlier declared that all properties of Chief Lawrence not listed on the letters of administration and subsequently sold were null and void.

The demolished structures, which included shops built in the 1970s by Chief Lawrence, were brought down under the supervision of the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Olumide Olayinka, and the Director of Technical Services, Mr. Obipehin, based on a petition by one Mr. Adeleye Omopariola. The administrators alleged that Omopariola, who has no legal claim to the properties, leveraged his connection with officials to take advantage of the estate and its beneficiaries.

As a result, many occupants, including traders, were left homeless and lost their sources of livelihood. This action, according to the administrators, contravenes the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Law and undermines government efforts in the housing sector.

They further disclosed that the matter was already before the court, which had, in a ruling dated July 3, 2025, nullified all sales of the properties. The case, they added, is still pending, but the demolition was carried out in defiance of judicial processes. The administrators also alleged that “area boys” and security operatives were used to attack beneficiaries, preventing them from protecting their inheritance, while the petitioner has since begun erecting a fence around the demolished property.

In a video released by the estate’s lawyer, displaced traders and families were seen weeping and appealing for justice over the loss of their means of livelihood.

The administrators and lawful beneficiaries, who possess valid legal documents confirming their status, are therefore calling on the Inspector General of Police, the Lagos State Governor, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, and all relevant authorities to urgently intervene in the matter and ensure justice is served. They also confirmed that a formal petition will be submitted to the appropriate agencies.