By Abigail Philip David
A human rights lawyer and legal counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has condemned Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, over his recent ban on public preaching and the imposition of a ₦500,000 fine for violators.
Soludo, in a viral video that surfaced on Saturday, was seen stopping an unidentified preacher from preaching in a market. He warned the individual against causing noise pollution, reminding him of an existing state law that prohibits such activities. The governor further directed the preacher to take his message to a church or rent an open ground, threatening to enforce a hefty fine if he continued to violate the law.
Ejiofor Reacts
In a statement released on Monday, Ejiofor described the ban on public preaching as an overreach of executive power, arguing that it infringes on religious freedom.
“The recent ban on public preaching in Anambra State, coupled with a hefty fine of ₦500,000 for defaulters, is an alarming overreach that raises serious concerns about religious freedom,” Ejiofor stated.
Citing Section 38 (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended, 2023), Ejiofor emphasized that every citizen has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to publicly propagate and manifest their faith.
He also referenced a 2022 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Lagos State Govt & Ors v. Abdulkareem & Ors, which upheld the right of individuals to practice and spread their religion in public spaces.
“Regulation, Not a Ban”
Ejiofor questioned the legal basis of Soludo’s directive, arguing that it effectively criminalizes all forms of public evangelism, including crusades and religious outreaches outside church premises.
“Many may not even understand the extent of the restrictions placed on their religious freedom by this outright ban. Rather than an outright prohibition, the governor should focus on regulating and moderating public preaching to address the alleged noise pollution,” he said.
He further criticized Soludo’s governance approach, suggesting that the state’s worsening insecurity required more urgent attention than peaceful gospel preachers spreading their faith.
“How does the prevailing insecurity in Anambra State relate to peaceful gospel preachers engaged in evangelism? These individuals are merely fulfilling their spiritual and biblical mandate,” Ejiofor argued.
Comparing Anambra to neighboring states like Abia and Enugu, he urged the governor to prioritize governance without infringing on religious liberties.
“In a democratic society, policies must align with justice, fairness, and respect for rights. The ban on public preaching sets a dangerous precedent that must be revisited. True leadership is about building, not suppressing; securing, not silencing. Let wisdom prevail.”
