The residents of Festac Town in Lagos have petitioned the Inspector General of Police over alleged egregious disrespect for the rule of law by officials of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). The lawyer representing the people of Festac, Mr. Adetayo Bello, claims that the FHA has continued to demolish property in the Festac Sixth Avenue despite being served a valid injunction by the court to stop such demolition. The names that were specifically mentioned in the petition are those of the Zonal Manager of the Federal Housing Authority, Akintola Olagbenro, and two other individuals, namely Chief Chuka Umenne and Coach Sesi. They were named as being complicit in these actions.
On the 11th of September, 2023, a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja per Justice Awope granted this restraining order in favour of the Festac residents against the Federal Housing Authority. The injunction, by judicial power, restrained the FHA and its agents from bringing to waste any building in the 6th Avenue of Festac Town or other areas pending the verdict delivery of the substantive suit, with suit number NO: ID/7397GCM/2023. According to the residents, the officials of the FHA have resumed further demolitions in the area despite the injunction served upon them. This is causing a great deal of distress to residents and extensive damage to the properties in the area.
The residents have pleaded with state authorities, including the Nigerian Police Force, to take urgent action and investigate the Federal Housing Authority and its officials for contempt of court. This action taken by the FHA in its entirety violates the contents of the petition against them, as it says: “This act not only represents a contempt of court but also a criminal abuse of power that can endanger public peace.” They also asked for other measures to prevent further demolitions from the FHA, as the ones they’ve been provided with previously were to no avail. This is to ensure adequate protection of their lives and properties. The petition highlights how the FHA officials’ illegal acts violate the fundamental rights of Festac Town property owners and erode public trust in the legal system.
When called upon for a response on the devious acts committed, the Federal Housing Authority didn’t give any official response. The residents of Festac Town hope that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, will intervene in the matter to uphold justice and restore stability in the environment.
