A serene academic environment at Augustine University in Epe, Lagos State, is under siege from persistent noise pollution, sparking a major conflict with a neighbouring prayer centre. The university management has raised an alarm, stating that amplified prayers from Ori Oke Iyanu are severely disrupting student learning, staff well-being, and violating state environmental laws.
VC Details Disturbance and Health Crisis
The Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Professor Anthony Alaba Akinwale, outlined the severity of the situation in a formal complaint. He stated that every night of the past week, noise from the prayer sessions on Igbo Nla Road, Ilara-Epe, has caused significant disturbance. The issue is not confined to nights; daytime prayers also disrupt lectures.
The crisis escalated on the night of Wednesday, December 3, 2025, when the university's Director of Operations could not sleep due to the noise. His blood pressure rose dangerously high, requiring him to be rushed to the hospital early on Thursday, December 4. He remains under medical care, highlighting the direct health hazard posed by the noise pollution.
Failed Diplomacy and Legal Violations
Augustine University has made multiple attempts to resolve the matter amicably, all of which have been ignored or rebuffed. On June 27, 2025, a Senate-mandated delegation visited Ori Oke Iyanu to lodge a formal complaint about the loudspeaker use. When this yielded no result, Professor Akinwale wrote a letter to the General Overseer on October 9, 2025, which was refused.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the activities of the worship centre constitute a flagrant violation of Lagos State Environmental Laws. These laws mandate permissible noise levels and specifically regulate the use of amplified sound in religious settings to curb noise pollution. The problem is intensified by the prayer ground's location within the immediate vicinity of the university campus.
Appeal to State Authorities
With direct engagement proving futile, the university has turned to the Lagos State government for intervention. Professor Akinwale has appealed to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to compel Ori Oke Iyanu to comply with the law and cease activities that disturb the work and rest of the university community.
When contacted for his side of the story, the General Overseer of Ori Oke Iyanu, identified as Femi Lucas, refused to respond to the allegations. He also declined to comment on the number of loudspeakers used by his centre. The standoff continues, leaving the academic community in search of peace and quiet.
