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The Oyo State Government has closed St. Mary Catholic Church, located in Oke-Padre, Ibadan, due to serious violations of environmental laws. State officials discovered that the church’s dilapidated toilet facilities had led to significant air pollution and sewage overflow in the surrounding area.
Speaking to newsmen, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Seun Ashamu, stated that the church’s condition was in direct violation of the state’s environmental regulations and required urgent intervention to avert potential health hazards.
According to the Commissioner, the Ministry received multiple complaints from residents alleging that the church was discharging human waste into the environment. Upon inspection, Ministry officers observed visible sewage discharge and a strong foul odour, prompting the issuance of a formal notice to the church.
“The deteriorated condition of the toilet facilities reportedly led to raw sewage being pumped into open drainage, contaminating the entire neighbourhood,” Ashamu explained. “This is not a situation where we can afford delays or repeated warnings. When faeces are being discharged into the streets and the air is polluted, immediate action is necessary to prevent a potential disease outbreak.”
Ashamu also disclosed that the church allegedly defied a government directive by forcefully reopening the premises after it had been sealed—an act he described as illegal and punishable under the state’s environmental laws. Consequently, the church was fined N500,000 for the violation.
“We are not targeting the church. Our primary concern is public health and safety,” he clarified. “What is expected of them is straightforward: open the septic tanks, evacuate the waste properly, fumigate the premises, and ensure full compliance with environmental standards.”
He warned that further sanctions could follow if the church continues to flout the law, affirming the state government’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations to protect public health.
