Residents of Oloruntoyin and neighbouring communities in Oworonsoki, Kosofe Local Council of Lagos, have been rendered homeless following the demolition of their houses by the Lagos State government.

It is estimated that about 3,000 people were affected by the exercise. The residents said that officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) marked buildings in the area three months ago, but did not issue quit notices or explain why the structures were marked.

When The Guardian visited the area yesterday, displaced residents were seen sitting outside, discussing their next steps, while members of demolished churches picked up frames and other items from the rubble.

A church leader, Opeyemi Okeowo, said: “We were served notice on the grounds of conservation around June 2025. We visited the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and spoke with officials, who later advised us to see the General Manager of the agency. However, we were unable to meet with him as he was attending a ceremony where he was being promoted to a Permanent Secretary.

“We were having a stakeholder meeting yesterday (Saturday, September 6, 2025) when we saw caterpillars being driven in for demolition. We had to rush out and couldn’t remove anything.”

He added that members of his church would take their complaints to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. “We have been worshipping here (Celestial Church of Christ, City of Bethel Parish) for close to 30 years. We cannot fight the government but we need to know what happened.”

Another resident, Joy Somboyo, urged the government to show compassion. “Even if the government wants to demolish a property, there should be compensation. The government in the olden days would provide alternatives but the present government renders citizens homeless without concern for their safety. Our house was marked but no words on demolition. The officials came and started demolishing. The house demolished belonged to my mother whom we lost two years ago and was buried here.”

Similarly, Lateef Akin lamented the destruction of his family home. “The house that was demolished belongs to my mom, and I reside here with my family. The government should have provided temporary shelter for the people before demolishing. The demolition came as a shock to residents. I couldn’t pick anything from the building. My laptop, television, couch and others were destroyed during the demolition. My mother was the elder sister of the late monarch of Oworonsoki. This is our land. We are not from the Benin Republic; we are bona fide owners, from the royal family, and we are the first and rightful settlers. I am hurt that this happened. My child is just two months old, and his body has been covered with rashes.”

On his condition, he added: “I have been hanging around, nowhere to bathe, I am confused and hurt. I believe God will intervene.” Public Relations Officer of LASBCA, Ademuyiwa Adu, did not respond to inquiries as of press time.