The government of Ogun State has taken decisive action by sealing three religious centers in Abeokuta, the capital, due to their violation of state laws on noise pollution and defiance of government directives on pollution control.
The affected churches include Christ Apostolic Church, Fountain of Faith District Headquarters, Gbogunmi, Itedo Alafia Community, Bode Olude; Ambassador of Truth Assembly International, Olorunseye Avenue, Ijeun Titun; and Salvation Ministries, Kuforiji Olubi Drive, Adigbe GRA, all located in Abeokuta.
According to Farook Akintunde, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, the decision to seal the churches came after repeated warnings and attempts to engage in dialogue with them to address the issue of noise pollution from their premises, which proved futile.
The Christ Apostolic Church, Gbogunmi, was singled out for holding evening and night vigils with loudspeakers placed outside, disturbing the peace of the surrounding community. Despite complaints and a petition from the community citing health concerns, the church leadership refused to cease the noise pollution.
Similarly, the Ambassador of Truth Assembly was found guilty of blaring loudspeakers at inappropriate times, while worshippers of Salvation Ministries, Adigbe, displayed unruly behavior towards government officials during the sealing process.
Akintunde emphasized the government’s stance against obstructing officials from carrying out their duties and advised other religious centers to avoid noise pollution. He warned that the government would not hesitate to seal any center found guilty of noise pollution in any part of the state.
