Ifeanyi Ejiofor, the lead lawyer for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has strongly criticized Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State for banning public preaching.

Ejiofor called the decision a serious violation of religious freedom. The governor argued that public preaching causes noise pollution and disturbs residents. As a result, he imposed a fine of ₦500,000 on anyone caught preaching in public.

Soludo also mentioned that his government is cracking down on fake pastors and prophets in the state.

Reacting to this, Ejiofor pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution (Section 38) protects the right to freedom of worship. He stated that banning all forms of public preaching, including crusades and outreaches outside church buildings, is unlawful.

Instead of an outright ban, Ejiofor suggested that the governor should have introduced rules to control noise levels rather than completely stopping public preaching.

He further criticized Soludo for failing to address major challenges in Anambra, such as insecurity. According to Ejiofor, peaceful gospel preachers are not the cause of the state’s problems; they are simply spreading their faith.