The Oyo State Government has closed down St. Mary Catholic Church, located at Oke Padre in Ibadan, over serious violations of the state’s environmental laws. The closure, which was carried out on Wednesday, followed findings that the church’s severely dilapidated toilet facilities were causing significant air pollution and sewage overflow, posing a public health risk to the surrounding community.
According to the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, the condition of the church’s sanitary facilities constituted a direct violation of environmental regulations and required immediate government intervention. He emphasized that the situation had escalated to a public health emergency.
“We cannot afford to wait for more casualties before responding. Preventive action is our priority,” Ashamu stated.
The Ministry of Environment received numerous complaints from nearby residents, who reported that the church had been discharging untreated human waste into the open environment. Upon inspection, ministry officials confirmed the presence of visible sewage discharge and a strong, persistent foul odour. A formal notice was served to the church on Monday.
“The deteriorated condition of the toilet facilities led to raw sewage being pumped directly into open drainage channels, contaminating the entire area,” Ashamu revealed.
He further explained that due to the urgency of the situation and the potential for a disease outbreak, the state government could not afford to delay enforcement action. “This is not a situation where we wait and issue repeated notices. When faeces are being pumped into the streets and the air is polluted, immediate intervention is necessary,” he said.
In a further breach of protocol, the church reportedly defied the government’s order by unlawfully reopening its premises after it had been sealed. The commissioner described this action as illegal and punishable under the state’s environmental laws. Consequently, the church was fined ₦500,000 for violating the sealing order.
Barrister Ashamu clarified that the government’s actions were not aimed at targeting the church but were solely focused on protecting public health and ensuring environmental compliance.
“Our concern is public health and safety. What is expected of the church is clear: properly evacuate the waste, open and maintain septic tanks, fumigate the premises, and comply with all environmental standards,” he said.
He warned that should the church continue to flout environmental regulations, further sanctions would be imposed. The Oyo State Government remains committed to strictly enforcing its environmental laws to safeguard the wellbeing of all residents.
E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Oyo State
May 29, 2025