For contravening the state laws on noise pollution, Ogun State government has sealed three religious centres, including Christ Apostolic Church, Fountain of Faith District Headquarters, Gbogunmi, Itedo Alafia Community, Bode Olude; Ambassador of Truth Assembly International, Olorunseye Avenue, Ijeun Titun and Salvation Ministries, Kuforiji Olubi Drive Adigbe, GRA, all in Abeokuta.

Speaking during the exercise, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, Mr. Farook Akintunde, said the churches were sealed after several warnings and dialogues with them to reduce the noise emanating from their worship centres proved abortive.

For Christ Apostolic Church, Gbogunmi, Akintunde said the church’s loud speakers placed outside its premises during evening and night vigils constitutes bridge of peace to its immediate community.

"The community has not only complained, but has written a strong petition against the church saying the noise pollution emanating from the church is affecting the health of their members.

"All efforts to make the presiding Pastor and the Elders of the church to see reasons to stop the pollution proved abortive. No serious government will fold its hands and watch such infractions affect the health and well-being of its residents", he said.

The SSA added that Ambassador of Truth Assembly was equally guilty of blaring its loudspeakers at odd times, aside from incessant noise pollution during services, while worshippers at Salvation Ministries, Adigbe rough handled government officials during enforcement exercise.

He warned against obstructing government officials from performing their official duties, appealing to religious centres to desist from noise pollution, as government would not hesitate to seal any erring organisation.