The Oyo State Government has shut down Saint Mary Catholic Church, Oke-Padre, Ibadan, over severe breaches of environmental laws, stemming from its dilapidated toilet facilities.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, was quoted in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, saying that the church’s deteriorated sanitary condition had led to air pollution and sewage overflow in the surrounding area.
Ashamu explained that the situation contravened state environmental regulations and required urgent intervention to avert potential health hazards.
He described the condition as a public health emergency, stressing the need for swift action to prevent an outbreak.
“We cannot afford to wait for more casualties before responding. Preventive action is our priority,” he stated.
According to him, the ministry received multiple complaints from residents alleging that the church had been discharging human waste into the environment.
He said that ministry officials who inspected the premises 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 neighbourhood,” Ashamu explained.
He further stated that the government could not afford to delay action, noting, “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.”
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Ashamu also revealed that the church allegedly defied a government directive by forcefully reopening its premises after they had been 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,” Ashamu said.
He added that further sanctions may be imposed if the church continues to flout the law, affirming that the state government remains committed to upholding environmental laws to safeguard public health.
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