…as residents insist urgent government action is needed to address the Jesus Estate Oba noise pollution.
OBA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA — The iNews Times | Residents of Jesus Estate in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, have raised fresh concerns over persistent Jesus Estate Oba noise pollution, alleging that excessive music from two hospitality facilities in the area may have contributed to the death of a member of the community.
The residents blamed the nuisance on Olivia Garden and Sky Cold Hotel, accusing the establishments of playing loud music from Friday through Monday, often from dusk till dawn.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Chairman of the estate, Mazi Ekene Anyaora, said the once peaceful neighborhood had become unbearable, forcing some residents to relocate.
Estate Alleges Link Between Noise and Death
Anyaora alleged that the death of Chief Bonaventure Obunadike, a resident said to be battling high blood pressure, might not be unconnected to the prolonged disturbance.
According to him, Obunadike, whose apartment was located directly behind one of the hotels, had repeatedly complained about the noise before he reportedly collapsed on New Year’s Day after what residents described as an all-night music session.
“He was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead. If his appeals were listened to, maybe he would still be alive,” the chairman said.
The widow of the deceased, Mrs. Chinyere Obunadike, who spoke briefly amid visible distress, supported the claims, stating that her late husband constantly lamented the situation.
“We don’t know who will be next,” she said tearfully.
Multiple Petitions, No Resolution
The estate leadership said they had explored several peaceful avenues to address the Jesus Estate Oba noise pollution without success.
Anyaora disclosed that they first approached the management of both facilities to reduce the volume of their music, but the request was allegedly ignored.
Subsequently, petitions were written to the Environmental and Health Services in Ojoto, which reportedly issued warning letters to the establishments. Another petition was later sent to the Idemili North Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Amaka Obi, who directed further warnings through the appropriate department.
“Despite all these, nothing changed. That is why we decided to engage the media. We are law-abiding citizens; we do not want violence,” Anyaora said.
He appealed to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and the local government authorities to urgently intervene.
Residents Consider Relocation
Other residents described the impact as both health-threatening and socially disruptive.
Mr. Oliver Okonkwo, Chairman of Jesus estate’s Constitution Committee, said he had resorted to spending weekends in his village to escape the disturbance.
“My house is two buildings away from Olivia Garden. I can no longer open my windows. Any day they close early is around 2 a.m. The estate has been nicknamed ‘mad people estate,’” he said.
He further alleged that the facilities were attracting undesirable elements and increasing insecurity in the area.
Another resident, Chukwuma Ebenezer, also known as Deede, said he now depends on sleeping pills.
“The noise has increased my blood pressure and makes it difficult to sleep, even with windows closed,” he said.
Hotels Deny Allegations
When contacted, managers of the facilities Ambrose Nwokedi of Olivia Garden and Akajiobi Success of Sky Cold Hotel acknowledged receiving complaints from the estate’s executive.
However, they denied that the music from their establishments was loud enough to constitute a nuisance.
They also dismissed suggestions that their activities were linked to the death of Chief Obunadike, describing such claims as unfounded.
As tensions persist, residents insist that urgent government action is needed to address the lingering Jesus Estate Oba noise pollution before the situation escalates further.
