The church demands N140 million as compensation for the planned demolition of its property in Yaba, but the Lagos government says the church is only entitled to N19 million.
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) has demanded a compensation of N140 million from the Lagos State government for the planned demolition of its church house at Biney Street, Yaba, Lagos.
But reacting to the demand in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, the government says the church is only entitled to N19 million.
The church’s demand is contained in its petition sent to the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the state House of Assembly.
PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday obtained a copy of the church’s petition dated May 27, 2021 and signed on its behalf by its lawyer, Nojim Tairu.
The church alleged that a large chunk of the church’s premises, which serves as the headquarters of its Yaba group, was marked for demolition by the state through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
It said it had been in possession of the land for over a decade and had peacefully occupied it until the Lagos State government marked its structures for demolition without giving any notice or providing reasons for its action.
The church said it found that some days earlier, a structure adjoining its building was demolished by agents of the state government, while another property on the other side of the church had been evacuated preparatory to demolition.
DCLM said it would not object to the state government’s development efforts, but insisted that the proper procedure for acquiring private property for public use must be complied with.
The church specifically stated that a joint evaluation of the property and payment of adequate compensation ought to be done for the government to legitimately acquire the land for any public interest.
Source: Premium Times NG
