Top Clerics Reject Soludo’s Ban on Public Preaching, Call It an Attack on Christianity

A growing number of clerics across Nigeria have voiced strong opposition to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent ban on public preaching in Anambra State, including in markets and other public spaces. The ban, announced on Saturday, includes a N500,000 fine for violators and has sparked backlash from Christian leaders who view it as an infringement on religious freedom.

Governor Soludo defended the directive by citing concerns over noise pollution and urged preachers to confine their evangelism to church premises. However, faith leaders argue that public preaching is a critical tool for reaching people who may never step inside a church.

Osazee Williams, International Secretary of the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles, and Senior Clergy in London, criticized the policy, calling it a direct attack on the Christian faith. Williams expressed concern over the spiritual implications of the ban and questioned the governor’s reverence for God. He emphasized the importance of street evangelism, saying it often reaches individuals who are otherwise lost in crime or despair. “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof,” he said, suggesting that the governor could have sought alternative solutions, such as regulating noise levels.

Archbishop Isaac Olawuyi of the Methodist Church of Nigeria in Lagos also condemned the move, labeling it an assault on Christianity. He insisted that freedom to evangelize is a constitutional right and urged clergy to continue preaching in public spaces regardless of the governor’s directive. “If they go out for true evangelism and hold crusades, let the governor arrest them. We’ll see what happens,” he said, suggesting the directive might have been more of a caution than a firm policy.

With tensions rising, religious leaders have pledged to resist the enforcement of the ban, framing it as not only a legal issue but a spiritual battle. Many see the move as setting a dangerous precedent and say they are prepared to defend their right to preach wherever the need for the gospel arises.