67 Year Old Pastor Dies After Disputed Eviction at Lagos Estate, Family Demands Justice

A 67 year old pastor, Bolaji Olukotun, has died following a controversial eviction from his residence at Admiralty Homes Estate in Lekki, Lagos, with his family alleging that he was assaulted and forcefully removed from the property during a disputed ownership process.

The incident reportedly occurred on July 11, while the cleric died in the early hours of July 12 after he was rushed to a private hospital for treatment. The circumstances surrounding his death have since sparked demands for a thorough police investigation, as conflicting accounts continue to emerge from the parties involved.

According to the deceased’s lawyer, Barrister Akpobome Deniran, the dispute stemmed from a rent to own agreement between Pastor Olukotun and his landlord. He explained that although the late pastor had hoped to purchase the apartment after the expiration of his tenancy, he was unable to meet the financial terms of the proposed sale. The landlord subsequently requested that he vacate the property so it could be sold to another buyer.

Deniran alleged that on the day of the incident, he received a distress call from his client, who pleaded for help, saying he was dying. Upon arriving at the estate, he claimed he found the pastor lying on the ground in severe pain, while his furniture, personal belongings and important documents had been moved outside the apartment.

The lawyer further alleged that more than seven suspected thugs, an armed mobile police officer, an estate agent identified as Blessing Idonor and a prospective buyer were present during the incident. He claimed the pastor was vomiting and groaning in pain, while those present allegedly dismissed his condition, insisting he had ingested an unknown substance and was pretending.

Deniran maintained that the eviction was carried out without a valid court order or warrant of execution, describing the exercise as unlawful. He also alleged that the mobile police officer threatened him with a rifle after he attempted to photograph the scene and warned him against documenting the incident.

According to the lawyer, severe flooding delayed efforts to evacuate the victim until a water truck driver assisted in transporting him to Udeko Medical Centre in the Chevron area of Lekki. Although the pastor was later placed on oxygen, he died a few hours later.

The deceased’s son, Ayodeji Olukotun, also questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident, insisting that his father was forcefully evicted. He challenged claims that the pastor voluntarily packed his belongings or opened the door for those who entered the apartment, arguing that someone allegedly in severe pain could not have done so.

Ayodeji called on the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure everyone present during the incident is questioned. He said the family is determined to obtain justice and establish the true circumstances that led to his father’s death.

However, the landlord’s solicitor, Caleb Onwe, denied allegations of assault or forceful eviction. He maintained that no one was evicted, claiming the deceased had already packed his belongings and was found weak inside the apartment before officials arrived. According to him, those present assisted in contacting the pastor’s lawyer and facilitated his transportation to the hospital.

Onwe further claimed that the deceased admitted he had taken an unknown substance before they arrived and insisted that anyone alleging assault or unlawful conduct would have to substantiate such claims with evidence.

Reacting to the incident, the Lagos State Police Command said it could not issue an official statement at this stage. The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, explained that the complainant failed to return after initially reporting the matter, making it difficult for investigators to proceed.

The circumstances surrounding Pastor Bolaji Olukotun’s death remain disputed. While his family and legal representatives insist he died as a result of injuries sustained during an unlawful eviction, the landlord’s representatives maintain that no assault or forceful eviction took place and that the pastor had already fallen ill before officials arrived.

Police investigations are expected to determine the exact sequence of events and whether any criminal liability exists.