Three churches in Ogun State have been closed by the government due to their violation of state laws regarding noise pollution and their persistent defiance of government directives.
The worship centers that are impacted are Salvation Ministries on Kuforiji Olubi Drive Adigbe GRA, Abeokuta; Ambassador of Truth Assembly International on Olorunseye Avenue, Ijeun Titun; Christ Apostolic Church, Fountain of Faith District Headquarters, Gbogunmi, Itedo Alafia Community, and Bode Olude.
The three churches were sealed, according to Farook Akintunde, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, after multiple warnings and unsuccessful attempts to stop the noise pollution coming from the worship centers through dialogue with the authorities.
According to Akintunde, the Christ Apostolic Church in Gbogunmi frequently holds vigils at night with loud speakers positioned outside of its building, upsetting the quiet of the nearby neighborhood.
“The community has not only complained, but has written a strong petition against the church saying the noise pollution emanating from the church is affecting the health of their members.
“All efforts to make the presiding Pastor and the Elders of the church to see reasons to stop the pollution proved abortive. No serious government will fold its hands and watch such infractions affect the health and well-being of its residents,” Akintunde stated.
Therefore, he issued a warning against interfering with government officials’ ability to carry out their official duties and advised other religious centers to avoid creating noise pollution. He also threatened to seal up any of these centers if they were found to be guilty of doing so anywhere in the state.
