The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has issued an interim order stopping further demolition of properties in parts of Oworonsoki, following complaints by affected residents who denied receiving any compensation.
Justice A.G. Balogun granted the restraining order against the respondents — and their agents or contractors — from carrying out further demolitions or creating third-party interests over properties located on Ojileru Street, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Street within the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Area (CDA).
The court directive, contained in a certified true copy of the order, applies pending compliance with the pre-action protocol under the High Court of Lagos State (Expeditious Disposal of Civil Cases) Practice Direction No. 2 of 1999.
The matter, which involves about 30 hectares of land, was adjourned to December 9, 2025, for a report of compliance.
The court also ordered that the memorandum of claim and other relevant documents be served on the respondents within 72 hours.
Reacting to the development, residents of the affected areas under Itesiwaju Ajumoni CDA issued a joint statement denying reports that they were compensated or participated in any enumeration process.
“We, the residents of Ojileru Street, Ososa Street, and Toluwalase Street, Oworonsoki, under Itesiwaju Ajumoni CDA, did not collect any compensation from anyone, neither did we fill or enroll in any enumeration form,” the statement read.
“Our lawyer has already served them a High Court injunction to stop further demolition till further notice.”
They described the demolition as an unlawful attempt to dispossess them of their ancestral homes without due consultation or compensation, urging authorities to respect the court order and ensure justice prevails.
The injunction remains in force pending full compliance with legal pre-action requirements.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo