Oyo govt seals Christ Life Church over noise pollution

The Oyo State Government has taken the decisive step of closing down a recently established church in Golden Estate, Oluyole, Ibadan, due to unresolved conflicts involving the Ministry, local residents, and the church management of the Christ Life Church branch in the vicinity.

The official announcement was made on Friday, January 2, by Prince Dotun Oyelade, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation. Architect Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, was quoted in the statement, explaining that the government had no alternative but to seal the church premises to prevent escalating tensions between residents and the church.

Community members had previously taken matters into their own hands by locking the estate gate, hindering the church from conducting services. Architect Mogbonjubola stressed the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration to address such issues promptly and prevent any form of escalation.

The closure was prompted by numerous complaints from nearby residents about excessive noise emanating from the church. Ministry officials conducted a visit on November 9th, 2023, and sound measurements during church activities revealed an average noise level of Seventy-four (74) DB (daytime), exceeding the permissible limit of 65DB stated in the Extant Environmental Regulations of 2023, Section 58, Paragraph (b) for residential areas.

A resolution meeting was held on November 29th, 2023, at the Ministry’s conference room, where talks were initiated. However, the church reportedly declined to sign an undertaking letter, citing the need for approval from its Headquarters and promising an update on Monday, December 4th, 2023.

Expressing disapproval of the ongoing crisis, the Ministry ultimately closed the church. The Honourable Commissioner issued a stern warning against noise pollution from churches, mosques, clubhouses, industries, companies, and marketplaces, stating that violators would face prosecution. He emphasized the transition of Oyo State to a jurisdiction governed by the rule of law, where adherence to proper procedures is paramount.