The recent demolition of Omega Power Ministries’ (OPM) church building along the Cele Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos, by officials of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has stirred outrage among church members. The demolition, carried out for development purposes, has displaced pupils of the church’s free orphanage school and sparked debates over the adequacy of compensation offered.

Displacement of Orphanage School Pupils

A viral video captured the aftermath of the demolition, showing displaced pupils from the church’s free orphanage school sitting outside the ruins of the demolished building. Teachers were seen consoling the children as the situation unfolded.

The destruction has left many church members worried about the children’s education, with some fearing that the loss of the school could disrupt their access to free learning opportunities.

Church vs. LAMATA: Dispute Over Compensation

The demolition was reportedly part of LAMATA’s development plans for the area. However, a major point of contention is the compensation offered to the church.

According to the Head of Corporate Communication for LAMATA, Kola Ojelabi, the authority had proposed a payment of ₦123 million for the property. The church, however, rejected the offer, arguing that the value of the demolished property was around ₦900 million. Church representatives described the compensation as “meagre” and insufficient to account for the building’s worth.

Scenes at the Demolition Site

When our correspondent visited the site, a mix of emotions was palpable among church members. Some were seen negotiating with traders and scavengers over items salvaged from the rubble. Others expressed sadness and disbelief over the government’s decision to proceed with the demolition despite the unresolved compensation dispute.

Emmanuel Chimnonso, the Cele Branch Chairman of the church instrumentalists, spoke briefly about the community’s pain: “I’m not happy with what happened…” His remarks were interrupted when another church member, visibly unhappy, pulled him aside, advising him not to speak further.

A female church leader, who declined to give her name, acknowledged the difficult situation but avoided providing details, stating, “You can report what you’ve seen here as a journalist. Because of the level we’ve gone with the state government, we’re not permitted to say anything.”

Development Amid Controversy

LAMATA has maintained that the demolition was necessary for the state’s infrastructure development. However, the church community’s resistance highlights the broader issues of compensation, displacement, and the social costs of urban development.

The site of the demolished building has since become a hub of activity, with traders and scavengers taking advantage of the situation to bargain for salvaged materials. For the church members, however, the situation remains a painful reminder of the cost of progress.

Call for Dialogue and Resolution

The OPM community has called for a review of the compensation offer and urged the state government to consider the human impact of such demolitions. While the development plans may bring long-term benefits, the immediate disruption to the lives of the church members and orphanage pupils remains a pressing concern.

The displaced children’s education hangs in the balance, as church members rally to find temporary solutions to ensure continuity. As the dust settles, the hope for fair resolution and adequate support for those affected remains a priority for the community.