Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju condemns arrests during anti-demolition protests in Lagos, demanding the release of detained activists and respect for citizens’ rights.
Human rights activist and legal practitioner, Deji Adeyanju, has called on Nigerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release activists arrested during the recent anti-demolition protests in Lagos State.
Among those detained is well-known activist Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, whose arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society groups and human rights advocates.
Adeyanju’s call followed a tense protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Ikeja on Wednesday, where demonstrators gathered to express opposition to ongoing demolition and forced eviction exercises across several low-income communities in the state.
The protests were met with resistance from security operatives, who reportedly fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
In a strongly worded statement released later that evening, Adeyanju denounced the arrest of peaceful protesters, describing it as a deliberate attempt to suppress dissent and silence voices advocating for the rights of the poor.
He argued that the state’s response to the anti-demolition protests reflects a troubling pattern of criminalising poverty rather than addressing the root causes of the housing crisis.
According to Adeyanju, citizens have a constitutional right to protest policies they consider unjust, particularly when such policies result in mass displacement and human suffering.
He maintained that no democratic society should punish individuals for peacefully demanding accountability and humane governance.
“I call for the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Soweto and all others who have been wrongfully detained,” Adeyanju said.
“It is unacceptable to punish people simply because they are standing up for their rights or speaking on behalf of marginalised communities.”
He further stressed that activism plays a central role in any functioning democracy, warning that the suppression of peaceful protests through arrests, intimidation or force erodes public trust in government institutions.
Adeyanju insisted that the anti-demolition protests should be viewed as a legitimate expression of civic engagement rather than a threat to public order.
The protests were triggered by growing anger over demolitions carried out in several parts of Lagos, particularly in waterfront and informal settlements such as Makoko, Owode Onirin and Oworonshoki.
Residents of these areas claim their homes were demolished without sufficient notice, compensation or clear resettlement arrangements.
Community leaders and civil society organisations have repeatedly raised concerns that the demolitions are worsening an already severe housing shortage in Lagos, Africa’s most populous city.
Many families, they say, have been left homeless overnight, forced to seek shelter with relatives or sleep in unsafe conditions.
Rights groups argue that the government’s handling of the demolitions violates both national and international human rights standards, especially the right to adequate housing.
They insist that forced evictions should only occur as a last resort and must be accompanied by meaningful consultation, adequate notice and proper resettlement plans.
Adeyanju echoed these concerns, stating that the continued reliance on force rather than dialogue signals a failure of governance.
He accused the authorities of prioritising urban development projects over the welfare of ordinary citizens, noting that the burden of such policies often falls disproportionately on the poor.
“Targeting the poor and criminalising poverty is unacceptable,” he said.
“It is not a crime to fight for justice, dignity and fairness. Those who speak for the oppressed must not be treated as criminals.”
The arrest of activists during the anti-demolition protests has also reignited debates around police conduct during public demonstrations.
Observers say the use of tear gas against peaceful protesters raises serious questions about the proportionality of force and respect for civil liberties.
As pressure mounts, activists and civil society groups are urging the Lagos State Government to suspend further demolitions and engage affected communities in meaningful dialogue.
They argue that inclusive discussions and humane urban planning policies are essential to resolving the housing crisis without deepening social inequality.
For many protesters, the demonstrations represent more than opposition to demolitions; they symbolise a broader struggle for social justice and accountability.
Adeyanju warned that continued repression could further alienate citizens and undermine democratic values.
He concluded by urging the authorities to respect the rule of law and uphold the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of social or economic status.
According to him, addressing the concerns raised by the anti-demolition protests through dialogue rather than force would be a critical step toward building trust and ensuring sustainable urban development in Lagos.
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