A heated controversy has erupted following the demolition of a section of Omega Power Ministry’s (OPM) property, including a free school for orphans and widows’ children, along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos. The demolition, carried out by officials of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly after viral videos showed displaced pupils standing amidst the rubble, some being comforted by teachers.

Senior Pastor Chibuzor Chinyere of OPM denounced the demolition as “unjust and inhumane,” accusing the Lagos State Government of grossly undervaluing the property. Pastor Chinyere revealed in a Facebook post that the church’s property, reportedly worth ₦900 million, was met with a compensation offer of only ₦120 million. “This act is a blatant disregard for the lives of these vulnerable children and the sacrifice put into building a haven for them,” he stated.

The church’s legal counsel, Francis Ogbonnaya, further alleged unauthorized negotiations with LAMATA, claiming, “Someone has been negotiating on behalf of OPM without our knowledge. Such actions are unauthorized and illegal.” Meanwhile, LAMATA has defended the demolition, with its Head of Corporate Communication, Kola Ojelabi, asserting that the project is critical for transport development in the area. “The compensation reflects the depreciated value of the land, which is now under government ownership,” Ojelabi said, justifying the ₦123 million payout as sufficient.

Public outrage continues to mount, with civil society groups and concerned citizens calling for a transparent review of the demolition and compensation process. Many have urged the state government to address the plight of the displaced children and ensure that future projects prioritize humanitarian concerns. The incident has spotlighted the growing tension between infrastructure development and the welfare of vulnerable communities in Lagos.