Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has dismissed claims that the state government willfully disobeyed a subsisting court order by continuing demolition of houses in Oworonshoki, describing the allegation as “false and unfair.”

Speaking with the newsmen in Lagos, on Tuesday, Pedro maintained that no order of court was served on any agency of the Lagos State Government before the latest phase of the demolition, contrary to reports suggesting that the exercise violated a restraining order obtained by some residents.

“As of today, I am aware of the court order they are referring to. However, before the demolition exercise they are complaining about, that order was not served on any government agency. I believe it was endorsed on Friday, October 24, the same day the demolition took place. Even if the order was obtained that day, could it have been served on a Saturday? As at that time, no government office was aware of any such order,” Pedro explained.

The Attorney General emphasised that government agencies cannot act on “verbal notice” of a court decision, adding that until a formal service of process is made, the government cannot be accused of contempt.

“If there has been any order said to have been violated, my position is that no such order was brought to the attention of any government agency before the act being complained about,” he said.

Pedro also condemned what he described as the misuse of court processes to obstruct public interest, arguing that some litigants now use the judiciary “as an instrument of oppression” even when the government has shown restraint.

He explained that demolition in Oworonshoki began almost a month earlier, but was temporarily suspended on the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to allow residents time to relocate.

According to him, affected persons were paid compensation despite questions surrounding the legality of their property ownership.

“The demolition started almost a month ago and was stopped on the governor’s directive. The people were thereafter compensated to enable them to relocate. The case they now refer to was not even filed until recently, despite their prior knowledge of government’s plan to clear the area. They only went to court belatedly, possibly using the same compensation funds to engage lawyers and sue the government,” Pedro alleged.

He confirmed that he had seen a copy of the interim injunction, describing it as a pre-emptive ex parte order that restrained further demolition and was obtained without the government being heard.

“The order itself only stopped further demolition, which means demolition had already started. It was obtained ex parte the government was not in court, and we were not part of the proceedings before the order was made, in breach of the principle of fair hearing,” he said.

Pedro further noted that, as of the time of the interview, his office listed as the first defendant in the suit, had not been formally served.

“I was away in Akure for an official assignment over the weekend, but I called my office to confirm. As I speak, no order has been served. If indeed there is an order, it should be served on the Attorney General first. That has not been done,” he stated.

The Attorney General also argued that residents alleging illegal demolition must prove ownership and compliance with building regulations before claiming damages.

“None of the people condemning the government has asked whether any of the demolished properties had valid building approvals. If you build without approval, the law is clear such structures are illegal and subject to demolition. We must stop using public sentiment and the media to justify illegality,” he said.

Citing recent building collapse incidents in the state, Pedro said the government must act decisively against illegal developments to prevent further tragedies.

He explained that while part of Oworonshoki land falls under a government scheme, another portion had been excised to the Oba’s family.

“If the structures are within the excised land given to the Oba’s family, it would be wrong for the government to enter. But if they are within government-acquired land, then the government has every right to act. Anyone claiming ownership must present title documents and approved building plans,” he stressed.

Pedro described the criticism of the demolition as “unfair and sentimental,” insisting that the state acted lawfully and had not breached any valid court order.”The government has not deliberately flouted any order. The narrative that we disobeyed the court is false. What we are witnessing is an attempt to blackmail the government for enforcing the law,” he concluded.

The demolition of houses in Oworonshoki has sparked public outrage and confusion among residents, some of whom insist the state acted in defiance of a court injunction.

However, the Lagos State Government maintains that the exercise targeted only illegal structures built without approval on government-acquired land and that due process including payment of compensation was followed before the operation.