Broad Street property: Court halts further demolition after council’s 48-hour quit notice

The Lagos State High Court has halted further demolition and construction at a disputed property on 168 Broad Street, Lagos Island, after a local government quit notice set a 48-hour deadline for occupiers to leave.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya granted the pre-emptive order after Dr. Abimbola Adebowale, described as the alleged owner, claimed that part of the premises had already been demolished. She alleged that Taiwo Ige Yusuf then took possession and began preparing to develop the land.

The Lagos Island Local Government notice, dated August 6, 2026, directed occupiers to vacate the property and remove containers and other structures the council described as illegal. It warned that failure to comply within 48 hours could lead to enforcement action under applicable laws and regulations.

Adebowale further alleged that tenants were forcibly ejected without notice or her consent, that part of the structure was demolished overnight, and that the remaining premises were enclosed with aluminium zinc. She said the barricade appeared intended to facilitate complete demolition and new construction.

In an affidavit supporting the application, Babatunde Bello of United Capital Trustee Limited said the company had managed the property without disturbance since 2016. He said Adebowale appointed the company trustee of her properties through a Deed of Trust dated August 8, 2026. Through her lawyer, Waheed Isiaka of KISAB Solicitors & Attorneys, Adebowale asked the court to preserve the property while the parties completed the required pre-action protocol, arguing that further work could cause irreparable damage.