Oyo State Government Acts Against Noise Pollution: Seals Church to Restore Peace and Quiet in Golden Estate
By; Al Humphrey Onyanabo
In the heart of Golden Estate, Oluyole, Ibadan, a decision by the Oyo State Government had far-reaching consequences for a branch of Christ Life Church in the area. With growing tensions between the church and disgruntled residents over persistent noise pollution, the government took the drastic step of sealing the church to preserve harmony within the community.
Architect Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, explained the necessity of this action, stating, “The State Government was left with no other options but to seal the church premises to avert preventable escalations of brewing tensions.” The government vowed to recognize and protect the rights of every citizen, ensuring peace and quiet for all.
Members of the community, exasperated by the unrelenting disturbance, had resorted to locking the estate gate to prevent church services from taking place. The government could not “fold its arms and allow escalations of any sort,” declared Architect Mogbonjubola, reiterating their commitment to maintaining a harmonious environment in Golden Estate.
In response to several complaints, ministry officials visited the church on November 9th, 2023. Armed with sound measuring equipment, they meticulously recorded the noise levels during various activities, starting from praise and worship. The average reading of seventy-four decibels (74dB) during the daytime exceeded the prescribed limits set by the Extant Environmental Regulations of 2023, Section 58, Paragraph (b), which explicitly states that noise levels in residential areas should not exceed 65dB.
With clear evidence of noise pollution, the Ministry reaffirmed the importance of addressing the issue during a resolution meeting on November 29th, 2023. However, the church management refused to sign an undertaking letter, citing the need for approval from their headquarters. This continuous defiance led to the sealing of the church, as the Ministry could no longer tolerate the ongoing crisis.
The Honourable Commissioner, Architect Mogbonjubola, issued a stern warning to all parties involved, asserting that noise pollution would not be tolerated. “Whether from churches, mosques, clubhouses, industries, companies, or marketplaces, violators will be prosecuted,” he firmly stated. The government aimed to uphold the sanctity of the law and ensure that the rights of residents were respected.
The sealing of the church in Golden Estate made headlines and served as a wakeup call to all religious institutions. It highlighted the importance of living by example and obeying the laws of the land. As preachers of morals, churches must prioritize the peace and well-being of their communities, rather than using religion as a shield to justify disruptive behavior.
In conclusion, the Oyo State Government’s action against noise pollution in Golden Estate demonstrated their commitment to upholding the rule of law. With the sealing of the church, they sent a powerful message reminding everyone that religion should not be used as an excuse to ignore the rights and tranquility of others.
