The Court of Appeal in Lagos has adjourned the long-running dispute over the demolition of waterfront communities in Makoko, Oworonshoki and other parts of the state to January 21, 2027, following procedural applications and directions on the filing of amended processes by the parties.
The adjournment came after the court sitting heard an application from the defense council team who sought leave to amend the Notice of Appeal.
The appellate court granted the request and ordered that the amended Notice of Appeal be filed within seven days, while also directing that relevant processes be properly regularised ahead of the substantive hearing.
The case, listed as Appeal No. CA/L/106/2018 between the Attorney-General of Lagos State and three others versus eight others, came up for mention before the panel sitting in Lagos.
During proceedings on Monday, the court examined the status of filings already before it, particularly noting that the appellants’ briefs of argument dated back several years.
Counsel for the appellants was questioned on compliance with procedural timelines, while the respondents confirmed that their brief of argument had been filed.
Counsel representing the waterfront communities, identified in court as Nnaji and others, however raised objections to certain applications filed by the appellants.
The respondents argued against procedural requests that, in their view, were unnecessary and improperly brought, including suggestions that portions of the case be remitted to the High Court, insisting that the appeal was already validly before the Court of Appeal.
The court, while considering submissions from both sides, interrogated the necessity of some pending motions and noted that certain applications had been overtaken by events.
The panel subsequently directed that two motions filed on November 30, 2021, be withdrawn and struck out.
Delivering the judgement, Justice Folashade Ojo advised both parties to ensure full compliance with procedural requirements, including the filing and regularisation of briefs of argument, in preparation for the substantive hearing of the appeal.
The Court adjourned the matter to January 21, 2027, for hearing.
The case stems from a legal challenge initiated by residents of several waterfront communities in Lagos State following demolition exercises carried out by the government in areas including Makoko and Oworonshoki.
The residents had approached the court seeking protection of their constitutional rights, arguing that the demolitions were carried out without adequate notice, consultation, compensation, or provision of alternative accommodation.
The Lagos State Government has, however, continued to challenge aspects of the earlier High Court judgment which restricted forced evictions without due process and required safeguards such as proper notice and resettlement arrangements for affected residents.