Community Battles Lagos Church over Noise Pollution

There seems to be no end in sight to the feud between residents of Mojisola Street, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos State and Evangelical Apostolic Church.

The residents are accusing the church, owned by Prophet Olatunji Talabi, aka Lesekese, of causing noise pollution in the area anytime it holds its services.

They said the noise emanating from speakers at the church, which was under construction, was "deafening".

It was learnt that a number of petitions had been sent to the state government over the issue.

In one of the petitions signed by Olusegun Olomofe, and  sent to Governor Babatunde Fashola, the residents stated that  government agency in charge of controlling such excesses was incapable of performing its statutory function.

The petition reads in part, "Since Evangelical Apostolic Church moved into the neighbourhood, its activities have been inimical to the general well-being of the residents and the noise level unbearable.

"Many elderly residents are not able to sleep whenever their service is in session."

The Chairman, MEGA Community Development Association, Mr. A.A. Bilesanmi, also showed our correspondent some letters of complaint written by the association to the police, Lagos State Environment Protection Agency and the Lagos State Government.

Personally, I am of the opinion that something should be done about this Noise pollution by religious houses, yes, Churches and Mosques.

I mean our right to sanity in this country still stands right?
The MEGA CDA is made up of upper and lower Mojisola Street; Emmanuel Olorunfemi Street; Alimi Ogunyemi Street; Prince Ajenifuja Street and Gbagba Crescent.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the government initially replied the residents of the street.

The environmental protection agency wrote to the Chairman of the Mojisola Street Residents Association, Mr. Oye Balogun, saying the church had agreed to stop using external speakers; loud musical instruments, microphones and drums except on Sundays.

The letter by LASEPA said, "Sunday services should hold between 8am and 1pm. Evening services, including Sundays, should not exceed 8pm.  Vigils should be reduced to once a month and must be without loudspeakers and musical instruments. The church is to ensure good neighbourliness with residents in the area."

However residents complained that nothing had changed.