“We Have All Approvals!” — Celestial Church Cries Out Over Planned Demolition, Submits Proof

Tension is rising in Jakande, Eti-Osa, as leaders of Celestial Church of Christ Eti-Osa Central Parish have raised alarm over what they describe as a planned and unlawful demolition of their church building, despite presenting documents to back their ownership and development approvals.

Church authorities said officials of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI), led by Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole, visited the premises and issued verbal threats that the structure would be pulled down, with a return scheduled for February 23, 2026.

In a statement signed by the shepherd-in-charge and parochial committee, the church said it welcomed environmental sanitation efforts in the area but insisted enforcement officers had exceeded their legal authority.

“We appreciate the agency for removing shanties and keeping the environment clean,” the statement reads, adding “However, they have been acting outside their jurisdiction by issuing threats to demolish our church building, which is not part of any marked demolition area.”

The church maintained that its property was not only spared during earlier demolitions in Jakande but was also lawfully acquired and properly documented.

According to the leadership, the land was obtained from the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) under the supervision of Prince Ayodeji Adebayo Joseph, and ground rent of N3 million was paid as recently as July 2024.

They added that all building approvals were processed through the appropriate government channels, including referrals to the Lagos State Building Investment Company (LSBIC), and that they hold valid permits from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

“We have all requisite evidence of ownership and approvals,” the church said, emphasizing “Our building was never marked for demolition, and no demolition notice has been issued to us.”

The parish also alleged that enforcement officers claimed to be acting on the authority of Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources.

However, church leaders said they believe such action could not have been officially sanctioned.

“The commissioner would not have sent anyone to demolish a structure that has satisfied all government regulations,” the statement added.

Church officials further insisted that even in the event of any lawful demolition, responsibility would lie solely with LASBCA, under the coordination of Florence Omotola Gbaye, not sanitation enforcement officers.

They also alleged intimidation and physical aggression during one of the visits, claiming that a shepherd was assaulted while attempting to explain the church’s legal position.

“All appeals fell on deaf ears,” the parish said, disclosing “They have promised to return, but we believe what they are doing is illegal and constitutes abuse of power.”

The church has now called for urgent intervention by relevant state authorities to prevent what it described as harassment and unlawful demolition.

It appealed to officials to “scrutinise the facts and ensure justice,” insisting that all necessary documentation has already been presented.

Leaders also called on members of the Celestial faith worldwide to pray for the parish during what they described as a period of uncertainty.

“We appeal for prayers and counsel,” the statement said, explaining “Our church building has satisfied all necessary government and building regulations, and we trust that due process will prevail.”

The dispute adds to growing tensions over enforcement actions and property rights in parts of Lagos, where redevelopment and sanitation drives have increasingly brought regulatory agencies and property owners into confrontation.