Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has sparked controversy with a stern crackdown on roadside preachers, warning that those using loudspeakers in public spaces—especially markets—will face a hefty ₦500,000 fine.
A viral video circulating online shows the governor confronting a preacher at a market, firmly instructing him to stop disturbing traders with his loud sermons. Soludo emphasized that preaching should be confined to churches or rented open spaces where only willing listeners would attend.
“If you want to preach the word of God, go to your church. You are causing noise pollution here,” Soludo told traders, reportedly at Onitsha’s Ochanja Market. “You cannot come to a marketplace and disturb everyone.”
He further warned that Anambra State would no longer tolerate unauthorized religious activities in public spaces, stating, “Markets are for business, not worship centers. Anyone turning public places into a church will be fined.”
The governor’s crackdown has ignited mixed reactions, with some applauding his stance on noise pollution, while others accuse him of infringing on religious freedoms. His additional remarks about tackling “fake pastors and prophets” in Anambra have only intensified the debate.
