Cynthia Ezegwu
The Lagos State Government has dismissed allegations that it disobeyed a court injunction in connection with the ongoing demolition of houses in Oworonshoki, describing the claims as an attempt to blackmail the state for enforcing the law.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), in a statement on Tuesday, said the government had not deliberately violated any court order, insisting that the demolition targeted only illegal structures erected without approval on government-acquired land.
“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,” Pedro said.
The demolition exercise has sparked outrage and confusion among residents, some of whom alleged that the state government ignored an existing court injunction halting the operation.
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Pedro, however, maintained that due process was followed, including the payment of compensation to affected residents, before the exercise commenced.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to urban renewal and strict enforcement of building regulations to restore order and protect the environment.