Stakeholders urge Tinubu to rein in FHA over demolition notices during Lagos court dispute
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An estate developer has asked President Tinubu to call the Federal Housing Authority's CEO to order, after the agency posted demolition notices on Lagos properties while a suit was pending in court.
Estate developer Samuel Oladele Ahmed, speaking on behalf of affected stakeholders, has urged President Bola Tinubu to call the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Oyetunde Ojo, to order over actions the agency allegedly took while a property dispute was before the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja Judicial Division.
The dispute dates to Suit No. ID/13129LMW/2023 instituted by H.R.M. Oba Isaac Owolabi and others against the Federal Housing Authority. According to the Certified True Copy of proceedings, the court was told that although parties were making efforts towards an amicable settlement, the FHA had issued demolition notices on the claimants' properties, prompting them to apply for an interlocutory injunction.
Counsel to the claimants, Chris Okeke (SAN), reportedly raised concerns before the court over activities allegedly carried out by the authority while the matter remained pending. Counsel representing the FHA confirmed that demolition notices had been posted, and the authority undertook before the court not to demolish the affected properties pending the hearing and determination of the application. The undertaking was recorded and the matter adjourned.
Ahmed expressed concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of actions by the FHA capable of frustrating judicial proceedings and eroding public confidence in the rule of law. He argued that a presidential directive requiring compliance with court processes would not amount to interference with the judiciary but would reinforce accountability within the executive arm of government.
"Respect for court orders must remain non-negotiable, particularly for a Federal Government agency," Ahmed said, adding that stakeholders were not opposed to the FHA protecting government property or enforcing against illegal developments, provided such powers are exercised within the law where a dispute is already before a court. The Sun reported the development on 8 September 2026.