Femi Falana Urges Lagos State to Halt Illegal Waterfront Demolitions Amid Court Judgments

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on the Lagos State Government to immediately cease illegal waterfront demolitions, labeling the actions as unconstitutional and a blatant disregard for existing court judgments. Falana referenced a Lagos State High Court ruling from June 22, 2017, which declared the evictions unlawful and awarded damages to the claimants.

Another judgment from August 25, 2025, by Justice F.N. Ogazi of the Federal High Court in Lagos restrained the state government from further demolitions.

Falana highlighted the Supreme Court's affirmation of the National Inland Waterways Authority's exclusive control over inland waterways, emphasizing that the state government's actions are in contempt of court orders. He urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to respect the rule of law and comply with valid judgments to halt further demolitions, citing a landmark case involving Chief Emeka Ojukwu during military rule.