Environmental Impact

Noise pollution: LASG seals C&A church, Ifako-Ijaye

...threatens legal action against violation of environmental laws

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed Cherubim and Seraphim King of Kings Church located on No 24, Georgius Cole Street, Ifako Ijaye for noise pollution.

The closure was on the directive of the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab after the Church had violated all the treaties and peace -agreements in the 2017 and 2023 Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), signed by the Church with the State Environmental Protection Agency LASEPA to minimise noise during Church activities in the neighbourhood.

Tokunbo warned religious organisations, entertainment and hospitality businesses to comply with the State regulations on noise and other environmental pollution ,while they respect the right of other individuals to quiet living in their neighbourhood.

LASEPA General Manager, Dr Tunde Ajayi who briefed the press after the enforcement activities, explained that Cherubim and Seraphim (King of Kings) Church Ifako Ijaye was not only operating illegally within a residential Estate, it has violated all known peace -agreements reached in 2017 ,2023 and 2025 to safeguard the health of other residents in the neighbourhood.

LASEPA photo

Ajayi went further to explain that in 2017, when the residents reported the Church for excessive noises during its night and day and services, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by the Church including;
I Ensuring adequate enclosure and sound proofing of the Church against noise;
ii Night vigil should hold once a month without the use of musical instruments,pending the soundproof
iii To suspend night vigils at the Mercy land( Ile-Anu) and restrict all activities within the Church Auditorium
iv The use of musical instruments is restricted to Sunday service only pending the enclosure and sound proof of the Church structure
v. Mainiain the permissible noise limit for that environment,that is 55db during the day 45 db at night .
vi Maintains good neighbourlines with the community of operations.
The General Manager noted that the same complaint was reported against the Church in October 2023, when the Church failed to comply with the treaties and MOU it signed in 2017.

Ajayi noted that despite repeated sensitisation programmes and warning to worship centres and hospitality businesses across the State , some organisations and churches have refused to abide by the approved standard noise limit in their communities .

He warned that as much as there is freedom of worship in the State, no any individual or association is allowed to infringe on the fundamental rights of others or impact negatively on the health of other neighbours in the name of religious activities.

The General Manager stated that the State government would be left with no either option than to shut down and prosecute any organisation violating the State Environmental law 2018 as amended.

Ajayi urged residents and business owners to comply with government regulations, reaffirming the agency’s zero-tolerance policy for noise and other form of pollution across Lagos State.

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