The Deeper Life Bible Church has accused the Lagos State Government and its agencies of targeting its worship centres in a wave of what it describes as “unjust demolitions” and systemic harassment.
In a statement signed by its legal representatives, Nojim Tairu & Co., and released Thursday, the church said multiple properties—including branches in Yaba, Olorunishola, and Lawanson had been either demolished or threatened by various state authorities including the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Surulere Local Government.
“This is an alarming pattern of hostility against a faith-based institution that has contributed positively to the spiritual and social development of Lagos,” the church’s legal team stated. “These demolitions violate our property rights and trample on religious freedom.”
Describing itself as a “longstanding pillar of faith and community service,” Deeper Life warned that the trend of state-led aggression sets a dangerous precedent. The church has vowed to challenge the actions legally, maintaining that it would not be intimidated into silence.
“We call on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently investigate this trend of intimidation and abuse,” the statement continued. “We have always abided by the law and have no reason to be targeted.”
In its appeal, the church urged civil society, religious groups, and international human rights observers to speak out against what it called “religious oppression.”
Reacting to the allegations, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, denied any coordinated action against the church. He clarified that while LAMATA might be involved in infrastructure projects requiring demolitions with compensation usually offered, the particular case cited by Deeper Life was carried out by a local government.
“The Lagos State Government has no axe to grind with Deeper Life. They are our partners in progress,” Omotoso said. “I have personally directed the Special Adviser on Religious Matters (Christian) to open dialogue with the church, and that engagement is ongoing.”
Omotoso reaffirmed that the Sanwo-Olu administration operates with fairness and inclusiveness, promising that the matter was under review.
