Owerri – Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, legal counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has strongly opposed the Anambra State Government’s decision to ban public preaching and impose a ₦500,000 fine on violators.
Speaking to journalists in Owerri on Monday, Ejiofor denounced the policy as a direct violation of Section 38(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended, 2023), which guarantees freedom of religion and worship.
“The ban on public preaching in Anambra State, along with the hefty ₦500,000 fine, is an alarming overreach that threatens religious freedom,” he stated.
Citing constitutional provisions, Ejiofor stressed that individuals have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the public propagation of their faith. He also referenced the Supreme Court ruling in Lagos State Govt & Ors v. Abdulkareem & Ors (2022) LPELR-58517(SC), where the court upheld the right to religious expression.
He warned that many residents might not fully realize the implications of the ban, which effectively criminalizes all forms of public religious activities, including crusades and outdoor worship. Ejiofor also questioned Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s justification for the ban on the grounds of noise pollution, arguing that proper regulations—not outright prohibition—would be a more balanced approach.
“Instead of silencing preachers, the government should explore ways to regulate and moderate public preaching to address noise concerns,” he suggested.
Ejiofor further criticized Soludo’s governance priorities, questioning how peaceful evangelists contribute to Anambra’s security challenges.
“Governor Soludo appears to be struggling with the real issues facing Anambra. How does insecurity relate to peaceful gospel preachers?” he asked.
He urged Anambra to take a cue from neighboring states like Abia and Enugu, which have managed security and development without infringing on religious liberties.
“The ban on public preaching sets a dangerous precedent that must be revisited. True leadership is about building, not suppressing; about securing, not silencing,” Ejiofor asserted.
He called on the state government to reconsider the policy, ensuring constitutional rights remain protected while addressing concerns through proper regulations rather than an outright ban.
