Oyo Govt shuts church for violating environmental laws

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Government on Wednesday shut down Saint Mary Catholic Church, Oke-Padre, Ibadan, for violating environmental laws due to its severely dilapidated toilet facilities, which caused air pollution and sewage overflow in the area.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, disclosed this development.

According to him, the Ministry received multiple complaints from residents alleging that the church had been discharging human waste into the environment.

He stated that officers from the Ministry, upon inspection, observed visible sewage discharge and a strong foul odour, prompting the issuance of a formal notice to the church on Monday.

“The deteriorated condition of the toilet facilities reportedly led to raw sewage being pumped into the open drainage, contaminating the entire neighborhood,” Ashamu explained.

He further revealed that the church allegedly defied the government’s directive by forcefully reopening its premises after it was sealed — an action he described as illegal and punishable under the state’s environmental laws. As a result, the church was fined ₦500,000 for the infraction.

“We are not targeting the church. Our only concern is public health and safety. What is expected of them is clear: open the septic tanks, evacuate the waste properly, fumigate the premises, and ensure compliance with environmental standards,” Barrister Ashamu said.

He added that further sanctions may be imposed should the church continue to disregard the law.