The Deeper Life Bible Church has sought commensurate compensation for the demolition of its church building on 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos.

The church also seeks protection for its members while carrying out lawful activities on the land pending the outcome of the demolition case.

Taiwo Kupolati, the spokesperson for the church, made this known on Friday in Lagos.

Mr. Kupolati stated that the church building was demolished on May 27 by the Lagos State Building Control Agency.

”Our members are raising questions on the legality of the action. For commensurate compensation to be made, the church wants proper valuation of the property,” he said.

The spokesperson stated that the church had previously rejected a ₦10 million compensation offered by the Surulere LGA.

“Alternatively, the church demands that it should be relocated to another land within the vicinity to enable its members to continue their worship,” he said.

He stated that the church had reported the case to the Nigeria Police Force, seeking protection for its members from harassment or intimidation while worshipping on the land, pending the resolution of the case.

Mr Kupolati said that as a peaceful organisation, the church chose the legal route to settle the matter.

“We were told that LASBCA acted on its own. But we know the local government had earlier indicated interest in the land,” he said.

Meanwhile, information commissioner Gbenga Omotoso has stated that the state government had no issues with the church and was not involved in the demolition.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has always promoted fairness. We hold Deeper Life Church in high regard. The state government did not order the demolition,” he said.

According to him, the demolition was a matter for the local government.

“We have begun talks with representatives of the church. The governor’s special adviser on religious matters (Christian) is engaging with them,” the commissioner said.

(NAN)