Oyo State Government Shuts Down St. Mary Catholic Church in Ibadan Over Severe Environmental Violations
In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Oyo State Government has shut down St. Mary Catholic Church, Oke-Padre, Ibadan, following the church's violation of multiple environmental regulations. The closure came after state officials discovered severely dilapidated toilet facilities on the church premises, which had resulted in both air pollution and sewage overflow in the surrounding community.
This development was disclosed to newsmen by Seun Ashamu, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources in Oyo State, who explained the circumstances leading to the closure of the church. According to the Commissioner, the action was taken to prevent a potential public health disaster due to the unsafe environmental conditions allegedly caused by the church.
Community Complaints Spark Government Investigation
According to Ashamu, the Ministry of Environment received numerous complaints from residents living in and around the Oke-Padre area. These concerned citizens reported that St. Mary Catholic Church had allegedly been discharging human waste directly into the environment.
“We received multiple complaints from residents alleging that the church had been discharging human waste into the environment,” the Commissioner said.
This alarming report prompted the Ministry to send a team of environmental inspection officers to the site to assess the situation firsthand.
Shocking Findings: Raw Sewage, Foul Odour, and Pollution
The inspection revealed disturbing evidence. Officers observed visible sewage discharge flowing into the open drainage systems near the church. Even more troubling was the overpowering stench that had engulfed the area due to the leakage from the church’s toilet facilities.
“The deteriorated condition of the toilet facilities reportedly led to raw sewage being pumped into the open drainage, contaminating the entire neighborhood,” Ashamu explained.
Such actions, the Commissioner emphasized, grossly violate Oyo State’s environmental protection laws, which are designed to ensure clean and safe living environments for all residents.
Government Takes Immediate Action to Prevent Health Crisis
Upon confirming the church's environmental infractions, the government swiftly took action by sealing off the premises of St. Mary Catholic Church. According to Commissioner Ashamu, the urgency of the situation required decisive steps to be taken without delay.
“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 to prevent a disease outbreak,” he stressed.
Ashamu pointed out that the pollution posed a serious health risk, especially in a densely populated area like Oke-Padre. Raw human waste in public spaces can cause outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, among others.
Church Reopens Illegally and Faces N500,000 Fine
In a surprising twist, the Commissioner revealed that the church, after being sealed by environmental officers, illegally broke the seal and reopened its premises without government approval. This action, Ashamu said, amounts to defiance of lawful orders and is a punishable offense under the state’s environmental regulations.
“The church allegedly defied the government’s directive by forcefully reopening its premises after it was sealed, an action that is illegal and punishable under the state’s environmental laws,” he said.
As a result of this illegal act, the church was fined the sum of ₦500,000 for environmental violations and for disregarding the government’s directive.
Government Emphasizes It Is Not Targeting Religious Institutions
Ashamu was quick to clarify that the government’s decision to seal off St. Mary Catholic Church was not a targeted attack on any religious institution. Rather, the focus was purely on protecting public health and ensuring environmental safety.
“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,” he said.
He stressed that all establishments—whether religious, commercial, or residential—are equally bound by environmental laws, and any failure to comply will attract appropriate sanctions.
Further Sanctions Possible if Violations Continue
The Commissioner warned that the government would not hesitate to impose further penalties should the church continue to violate the law. He reiterated the state’s commitment to upholding environmental laws and maintaining sanitary standards across all communities in Oyo State.
“If the church continues to disregard the law, further sanctions will be applied,” Ashamu declared, making it clear that compliance is non-negotiable.
Public Health First: Oyo State’s Environmental Protection Drive
This incident highlights the Oyo State Government’s ongoing efforts to enforce environmental regulations and prevent health hazards in both urban and rural areas. Under the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Ministry of Environment has intensified its inspection and enforcement activities, especially in high-density areas like Ibadan.
The Ministry has made it clear that no establishment will be exempt from compliance with environmental laws. The closure of St. Mary Catholic Church serves as a stern warning to other institutions, especially those with high foot traffic, to maintain proper sanitary conditions.
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This incident is significant not only because it involves a well-known religious institution but also because it touches on broader issues of environmental health, urban sanitation, and government accountability.
For residents of Ibadan and Oyo State at large, this is a wake-up call to demand better environmental practices in their communities. Clean water, fresh air, and safe public spaces are fundamental rights, not privileges. And institutions, no matter how influential, must not be allowed to endanger public health due to neglect or mismanagement.
Conclusion: A Call for Environmental Responsibility
The closure of St. Mary Catholic Church in Oke-Padre, Ibadan, is a stark reminder of the consequences of environmental negligence. While places of worship hold spiritual significance, they must also maintain physical cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
The Oyo State Government’s swift action demonstrates a proactive commitment to safeguarding public health, especially in densely populated areas. Moving forward, it is essential that all institutions—religious or otherwise—adhere to environmental standards to prevent the spread of disease and ensure a healthier society for all.
For the residents of Ibadan and beyond, the message is clear: speak up, stay vigilant, and hold all establishments accountable for the condition of your environment.
