Three churches in Ogun State have been shut down by the government for allegedly violating noise pollution regulations and ignoring repeated warnings.
The affected places of worship 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 in Adigbe GRA, all situated in Abeokuta.
According to Farook Akintunde, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, the closure came after numerous attempts to engage with church authorities failed to curb the noise pollution emanating from the premises.
Akintunde highlighted that Christ Apostolic Church, Gbogunmi, was particularly known for conducting loud vigils with speakers positioned outside, disturbing the peace of the surrounding community.
He emphasized that despite complaints and petitions from the affected community, efforts to persuade the church leaders to address the issue proved fruitless. Akintunde stressed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of residents and warned against obstructing officials from carrying out their duties.
Furthermore, he cautioned other religious institutions against noise pollution, underscoring the government’s readiness to seal any establishment found guilty of similar infractions across the state.