Tears, Tensions, and Accusations: Lagos Government’s Demolition of OPM’s Free School for Orphans Sparks Public Outcry Over Allegedly Inadequate ₦120 Million Compensation Offer
Lagos, Nigeria – A heated dispute has erupted following the demolition of a section of Omega Power Ministry’s (OPM) property along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos. The demolition, carried out on Wednesday by officials of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), has drawn sharp criticism from Omega Power Ministry’s Senior Pastor, Chibuzor Chinyere, who described the act as unjust and inhumane.
The demolished section included a building housing Omega Power Ministry’s free school for orphans and children of widows. Displaced pupils were seen in a viral video standing outside the rubble, some being comforted by their teachers. The sight of distraught children has fueled public outcry, with many questioning the state government’s priorities.
“Development Without Fairness Is Wickedness” – Pastor Chinyere
Reacting to the incident, Pastor Chinyere accused the Lagos State Government of offering grossly inadequate compensation for the demolished property. He revealed in a Facebook post:
“Happening Now. Lagos State Government demolishing OPM free schools in Lagos State. A free school for orphans and children of widows. Let the tears of the orphans and widows begin to speak.”
The pastor further claimed the property was worth approximately ₦900 million, while the government offered just ₦120 million in compensation.
“Development is good, but pay adequate compensation and not give a peanut of ₦120 million to hijack a property worth ₦900 million. It is pure wickedness,”
he said at the scene.
Legal Concerns and Mysterious Negotiations
The church’s legal counsel, Francis Ogbonnaya, raised additional concerns, stating that someone claiming to represent OPM had been negotiating with LAMATA without the church’s authorization.
“We have no knowledge of the individual negotiating with LAMATA on our behalf. Any such discussions are not from us,” Ogbonnaya emphasized.
LAMATA Defends Actions
In response to the allegations, Kola Ojelabi, Head of Corporate Communication at LAMATA, defended the demolition as part of the state’s ongoing transport development initiatives.
“The project is essential for developing the transport corridor. The compensation offered reflects the depreciated value of the land, which now belongs to the government. We believe ₦123 million is sufficient for the property we are acquiring,”
Ojelabi explained.
He added that the demolition followed due process, insisting that similar projects had not encountered such resistance in the past.
Public Reactions and Rising Tensions
The demolition has sparked widespread criticism, with many Lagosians expressing sympathy for the displaced children and questioning the government’s priorities. Civil society groups have called for a transparent review of the compensation process, urging the government to address the humanitarian concerns raised by the incident.
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