Ogun State Authorities Shut Down Three Churches Due to ‘Noise Pollution’

The Ogun State Government has taken decisive action by sealing three churches for violating state laws on noise pollution and disregarding repeated directives from the government. The affected churches include Christ Apostolic Church, Fountain of Faith District Headquarters in Gbogunmi, Itedo Alafia Community, Bode Olude; Ambassador of Truth Assembly International on Olorunseye Avenue, Ijeun Titun; and Salvation Ministries on 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 numerous warnings and failed attempts to engage with the church authorities to address the issue of noise pollution emanating from the worship centers. Christ Apostolic Church in Gbogunmi, in particular, was singled out for holding vigils with loudspeakers placed outside the premises at night, causing disturbance to the peace of the surrounding community.

Despite community complaints and petitions highlighting the adverse health effects of the noise pollution, efforts to persuade the church leaders to mitigate the disturbances were unsuccessful. Akintunde stressed that the government cannot overlook such infractions that impact the health and well-being of residents. Consequently, he warned against obstructing government officials from carrying out their duties and cautioned other religious centers against similar violations, affirming the government’s commitment to sealing any establishment found guilty of noise pollution across the state.