Public Preaching in Anambra | Religious Leaders Criticize Governor Soludo’s Ban on Open-Air Evangelism

 

In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, recently introduced a ban on public preaching in markets and other public spaces, citing concerns over noise pollution. The directive, announced on March 8, 2025, includes a hefty fine of N500,000 for violators and has drawn sharp criticism from religious leaders across the state and beyond. Bishops, clerics, and other faith-based figures have condemned the ban, arguing that it infringes on fundamental rights to religious freedom and expression, as enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution. This article explores the details of the ban, the reactions from religious leaders, and the broader implications for Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Soludo’s Ban on Public Preaching

Governor Soludo’s decision to prohibit open-air preaching came to public attention following a viral video in which he confronted a preacher at Ochanja Market in Onitsha, one of Anambra’s busiest commercial hubs. In the video, Soludo asserted that public spaces like markets are meant for commerce, not religious activities. “This is a marketplace, not a church,” he declared. “You cannot take over a public space and turn it into a place of worship. If you want to preach, go to your church. Those who want to listen will come to you; you cannot force people to hear your message.”

The governor further justified the ban by highlighting the issue of noise pollution, a growing concern in urban areas like Onitsha. He noted that the use of loudspeakers by preachers disrupts traders and customers, negatively impacting the business environment. To enforce the directive, Soludo announced that violators would face a N500,000 fine and emphasized that his administration has already banned the use of loudspeakers in markets to curb excessive noise. “We are cracking down on fake pastors and prophets in Anambra,” he added, signaling a broader intent to regulate religious activities perceived as exploitative or disruptive.

This policy aligns with Soludo’s broader agenda to restore order and improve the quality of life in Anambra State. Since assuming office, he has introduced measures to address urban chaos, including regulating street trading, enforcing sanitation laws, and removing illegal structures. However, the ban on public preaching has proven to be one of his most contentious decisions to date.

Clerics and Bishops React Strongly

The response from religious leaders has been swift and overwhelmingly negative. Clerics across Anambra and beyond have accused the governor of overstepping his authority and undermining constitutionally guaranteed rights. Among the most vocal critics is Archbishop Osazee Williams, the International Secretary of the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles, and Senior Clergy, based in London. Speaking on behalf of the religious community, Williams described the ban as an “attack on the body of Christ” and a direct assault on religious freedom.

“Public preaching is a mandate for Christians,” Williams argued. “It is how we reach souls for Christ, especially those who may never step into a church. For a governor to ban it shows he is going against fundamental religious rights, and this should be challenged.” He further emphasized the transformative power of street evangelism, noting that it has historically played a role in reforming individuals engaged in crime and other social vices. “Some people come to the market to steal or commit other wrongs, but when they hear the word of God, they change their ways,” he said.

Williams also questioned the governor’s motives, suggesting that the ban reflects a lack of reverence for religious values. “I don’t believe the governor fears God,” he stated bluntly, urging preachers to continue their work despite the threat of fines or arrests. “If they go out for true evangelism, let the governor arrest them all. Let’s see what will happen,” he challenged, daring Soludo to enforce the ban rigorously.

Other clerics have echoed Williams’ sentiments, arguing that the ban sets a dangerous precedent for religious freedom in Nigeria. They point to Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the freedom to propagate one’s faith. Critics contend that while the government has a legitimate interest in regulating noise pollution, a blanket ban on public preaching is disproportionate and fails to balance public order with individual rights.

Constitutional Rights vs. Public Order

The controversy surrounding Soludo’s ban raises important questions about the balance between constitutional rights and the government’s responsibility to maintain public order. Supporters of the ban argue that it is a necessary measure to address the growing problem of noise pollution in Anambra’s urban centers. Markets like Ochanja are often chaotic, with traders, customers, and hawkers competing for space and attention. The addition of loudspeakers blasting sermons only exacerbates the situation, making it difficult for people to conduct business or move freely.

Soludo’s administration has framed the ban as part of a broader effort to improve the quality of life in Anambra. By reducing noise pollution, the government aims to create a more conducive environment for commerce and social interaction. The governor has also hinted at a crackdown on “fake pastors and prophets,” suggesting that some individuals exploit religion for personal gain, further justifying the need for regulation.

However, critics argue that the ban is overly broad and fails to consider less restrictive alternatives. For example, the government could impose specific noise limits or designate certain areas for preaching, rather than banning it outright. They also point out that other sources of noise, such as political rallies, street hawking, and commercial advertisements, are often tolerated in public spaces, raising questions about selective enforcement. “If we can tolerate political campaigns and rallies, why silence the gospel?” asked one commentator on social media, reflecting a sentiment shared by many religious advocates.

Broader Implications for Anambra and Nigeria

The ban on public preaching in Anambra has sparked a nationwide debate about the role of religion in public life and the limits of governmental authority. Nigeria is a deeply religious country, with Christianity and Islam playing significant roles in shaping its social, cultural, and political landscape. Public preaching, particularly in markets and on streets, has long been a common practice, especially in southern states like Anambra, where Christianity is predominant.

The controversy comes at a time when religious tensions are already high in Nigeria, with ongoing debates about the separation of church and state, the rise of religious extremism, and the rights of minority faiths. Soludo’s ban risks exacerbating these tensions, particularly if it is perceived as targeting Christians disproportionately. While the governor has not explicitly singled out any religion, the context of the ban—confronting a Christian preacher in a predominantly Christian state—has fueled perceptions of bias.

Moreover, the ban could have political ramifications for Soludo, who is seeking re-election in 2025. Anambra’s electorate includes a significant number of devout Christians, many of whom may view the ban as an affront to their faith. Political opponents, such as Labour Party aspirant John Nwosu, have already seized on the issue, condemning the ban as an overreach and accusing Soludo of neglecting more pressing governance challenges. “The government ought to have more urgent issues to tackle,” Nwosu stated, urging Soludo to reconsider the policy.

Public Sentiment and the Way Forward

Public reaction to the ban has been mixed. Some residents of Anambra support the governor’s efforts to curb noise pollution, arguing that public preaching can be disruptive and intrusive. “I’m tired of hearing loudspeakers everywhere I go,” said one trader in Onitsha. “The market is for business, not preaching.” Others, however, see the ban as an attack on their religious freedoms and an attempt to stifle the spread of the gospel. “This is a Christian state, and preaching is part of our culture,” said a local pastor. “The governor should find a better solution.”

As the debate continues, there is a growing call for dialogue between the government and religious leaders to find a compromise that respects both public order and religious rights. Suggestions include establishing designated preaching zones, implementing time restrictions, or enforcing noise limits rather than a total ban. Such measures could address the government’s concerns while preserving the ability of clerics to reach their audiences.

Conclusion

Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s ban on public preaching in Anambra has ignited a firestorm of controversy, pitting the government’s desire for order against the religious community’s demand for freedom. While the intention to reduce noise pollution is understandable, the blanket ban has been widely criticized as excessive and unconstitutional. Bishops and clerics have vowed to resist the policy, framing it as an assault on their faith and a violation of their rights.

As Anambra approaches the 2025 governorship election, the fallout from this decision could shape the political landscape and influence voter sentiment. For now, the state remains at a crossroads, with the government and religious leaders at odds over the role of faith in public spaces. Whether through dialogue, legal challenges, or public pressure, the resolution of this conflict will have far-reaching implications for Anambra and Nigeria’s broader struggle to balance governance with religious liberty.