By Gbenga Sodeinde
A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has docked a pastor, Emmanuel Femi Arowolo of Cherubim and Seraphim Church situated at Surulere Street, Basiri, Ado Ekiti for flagrant violation of physical development laws, rules and regulations.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development during its routine
inspection and enforcement exercise had on June 16th, 2022 observed an illegal construction of a building suspected to be a church and served enforcement notice on the said property after it was discovered that due process was not followed in executing the project and to abate the
nuisance created through noise pollution in the environment.
Giving the order, Magistrate Bunmi Bamidele of Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrate court,who after listening to the prosecution’s opening
statement invoked the doctrine of “lis pendent” that no further construction be carried out on the premises and also abate noise until the suit is determined by the court.
The court held that the prophet’s bail would be revoked if he disobeyed the order of the
court, pending the determination of the case.
Commenting on the development, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Engr. Adeola Johnson said Ekiti State Government would not relent in its effort at ensuring absolute compliance with the extant
laws,rules and regulations of physical development, saying the development would not only ensure sanity in the whole process,but would as well serve as deterrent to others.