Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a warning to roadside preachers using loudspeakers in public spaces, particularly in markets, accusing them of causing noise pollution and disturbing residents.

Soludo declared that anyone caught violating the noise pollution order would face a ₦500,000 fine.

A viral video circulating on social media on Saturday captures the governor confronting an unidentified roadside preacher at a market, instructing him to stop disrupting traders with his preaching. He advised the preacher to either preach in a church or rent an open field, emphasizing that those interested in listening would seek him out there.

Addressing traders at what is believed to be Ochanja Market in Onitsha, Soludo stated, “If you want to preach the word of God, go to your church. You are causing noise pollution here. You cannot come to a marketplace and disturb everyone.”

He reiterated that markets are not places of worship and that unauthorized religious activities in public spaces would not be tolerated. “If you want to preach, go to a church. Those who want to listen will come to you; you cannot force people in the market to hear your message.”

The governor emphasized that anyone attempting to turn a public space into a church would be charged accordingly. “You will pay ₦500,000 because we cannot allow this. We have banned loudspeakers in markets due to noise pollution, which affects people’s eardrums. You cannot force people to listen to your preaching. We are cracking down on fake pastors and prophets in Anambra.”