Sowore Defies Police Warning, Vows Mass Protest Over Oworonshoki Demolitions After Release From Detention

 

Nigerian activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reignited public attention with his latest declaration to stage a mass protest in Lagos following the controversial demolitions in the Oworonshoki area. His announcement comes only hours after he was released from police custody, sparking heated debate over citizens’ rights to peaceful demonstration and government accountability.

Sowore’s defiance stems from the Lagos State Police Command’s directive barring him and his movement, Take It Back (TIB), from organizing any protest linked to the ongoing demolition exercise. The activist, known for his fiery stance on civil liberties, dismissed the warning as an act of intimidation. He described the police commissioner’s position as undemocratic and symptomatic of a system that fears public dissent.

Taking to his official Facebook page shortly after regaining his freedom, Sowore wrote with characteristic boldness that he would not be silenced. According to him, the attempt by the police to suppress citizens’ voices only exposes the insecurity of the authorities. “I heard the CP of the Nigeria Police Force Lagos had the effrontery to warn that TIB & I are not to protest over Oworonsoki Demolitions; these unprofessional, wornout officers have no place in our society. The mass action must go on,” he posted, drawing a wave of support and criticism across social media platforms.

Residents of Oworonshoki have been reeling from the aftermath of the demolitions that reportedly left hundreds homeless. Many claim that their properties were torn down without prior notice or adequate compensation. The affected areas, mostly informal settlements near the Lagos Lagoon, have long been subject to disputes over land ownership and government urban renewal plans. Eyewitnesses said the demolitions took place under the cover of darkness, with police officers deployed in large numbers to ensure compliance. Some residents alleged that teargas was fired to disperse those attempting to resist the operation.

Human rights groups have condemned what they describe as excessive force and lack of transparency in the exercise. Activists argue that the demolitions reflect a pattern of displacement targeting low-income communities across Lagos under the guise of development. Critics insist that while the state government often claims such actions are part of environmental or security reforms, the real beneficiaries are powerful interests seeking to commercialize waterfront lands.

Sowore’s decision to challenge the demolitions has therefore struck a nerve within both the government and activist circles. His movement, TIB, has been at the forefront of several nationwide protests against corruption, insecurity, and abuse of power. Supporters say his persistence demonstrates courage in the face of repression, while opponents view it as a reckless attempt to provoke unrest.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, in a counter statement, cautioned Sowore and his group against proceeding with any demonstration within the state. He warned that any gathering perceived to threaten public peace would be met with firm legal action. The commissioner defended the demolition exercise, asserting that the targeted structures were illegal and often served as hideouts for criminal elements. He maintained that the police had acted within the confines of the law to ensure order during the government’s clearance operations.

Tensions continue to rise as both sides stand their ground. Civil society groups have expressed concern that another round of clashes could erupt if the protest goes ahead. Legal experts have also weighed in, reminding the authorities that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly. Many argue that criminalizing protests only deepens mistrust between the public and law enforcement agencies.

Observers note that the Oworonshoki demolition controversy goes beyond a single policy issue. It reflects the growing disconnect between government urban development initiatives and the welfare of ordinary residents. For decades, Lagos has grappled with balancing modernization with inclusivity, often leaving the poor at the mercy of eviction drives. Sowore’s activism, whether one agrees with his tactics or not, has once again placed that tension in the national spotlight.

As the planned protest looms, all eyes are on Lagos. Supporters are mobilizing, while security operatives remain on alert. The situation represents another test of Nigeria’s democratic maturity, where the right to protest, the power of the state, and the demands of justice collide on the streets of Africa’s largest city.

Whether Sowore’s defiance will inspire meaningful dialogue or provoke another confrontation remains to be seen, but one fact is clear; the Oworonshoki demolitions have reopened old wounds about governance, inequality, and the limits of civic freedom in Nigeria’s fragile democracy.