Retiree Collapses in Court Amid Lagos Demolition Dispute

A retired homeowner reportedly collapsed in a Federal High Court in Lagos on September 24, 2026, during proceedings over an ongoing dispute involving the alleged demolition and acquisition of properties in several Lagos communities.

The incident occurred as residents of Okokomaiko, Church Estate 1, Church Estate 2, Igbenyadu Community and Jubilee Estate continued their legal battle against the alleged demolition of their properties.

The elderly retiree, identified as one of the affected homeowners, reportedly slumped in the courtroom in the presence of the presiding judge. Some people with basic first-aid knowledge immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before he was taken to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

The incident has highlighted the emotional and financial pressure faced by residents who say they invested their lifetime savings in their homes as a means of securing their future after retirement.

Lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Dodo, who represents the affected communities, said five people had reportedly died in connection with the dispute, while another applicant had suffered a serious stroke.

“People are dead. People are in despair,” Dodo said after the court proceedings on Friday, October 2.

He, however, confirmed that the retiree who collapsed in court was still alive.

The affected homeowners have alleged that demolition activities linked to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) and other government agencies continued despite ongoing court proceedings and an injunction they said was issued in April.

They also alleged that the house of a homeowner, Mrs. Blessing Okere, was demolished on September 26 despite what they described as existing court orders. The allegation could not be independently verified from the materials available, and no response from LAMATA or the Lagos State Government was provided by the affected homeowners.

Dodo said the residents were not opposed to government development projects or the compulsory acquisition of land for public purposes, but insisted that affected property owners must receive adequate compensation.

“We are not saying that we are against development. We are for development. We are not saying the government does not have the right to acquire people’s property. But my property should not be taken for public interest without compensation,” he said.

He also questioned the evidence allegedly presented to show that some property owners had been compensated, arguing that photographs of individuals holding documents should not be relied upon as proof of payment when bank records could provide more reliable evidence.

Another major issue in the dispute concerns the validity and service of acquisition notices. Dodo said several gazettes and acquisition notices dating back to 1979, 1982, February 2025 and May 2025 had been presented, raising questions about which document the court would ultimately rely on.

He maintained that property owners must be properly served with any notice revoking their interests in the affected properties.

The defendants have also reportedly challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, arguing that the case should be heard by the Lagos State High Court.

Dodo, however, said the residents' case involved compulsory acquisition of land and alleged violations of fundamental rights.

For the affected homeowners, the dispute represents more than the possible loss of buildings. They say the properties were acquired through decades of hard work and were intended to provide shelter, rental income and financial security during retirement.

The residents are now seeking judicial protection while the court determines the legality of the acquisitions, demolitions and compensation arrangements.

Dodo expressed optimism that the court would ultimately deliver justice in the matter.