Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, also known as Odumeje, is a well-known pastor, and Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has stated that he will cover the cost of tearing down his church.
Soludo, who spoke on Friday night, claimed that notices had been served on all homeowners whose homes had been designated for demolition and that they had been asked to remove the structures within a certain period of time.
Two parishes of the Catholic church, according to Soludo, are still awaiting demolition.
“It is costing us money. They had several notices to remove such structures, but they refused.
“The demolition started yesterday (Thursday), and so far so good. The demolition went well, except for Pastor Odumeje, who according to the report drove in, in a brazen manner and attempted to take over the equipment.
“Of course, state work must go on, and security had to stop him. This was a man who was in several meetings we had, and also spoke.
“In fact, this is costing us money, and the structures should have been removed before now, but they chose to test the resolve of the government.
“Once we are done with this exercise, we will compile the bills and send to the persons involved, and they must pay.”
Soludo said two Catholic parishes involved in the illegal structures demolition are St. Dominic Catholic church and Our Lady Queen Catholic church.
He stated that the parish priest of Our Lady Queen Catholic Parish was around when the demolition team visited, and even cooperated, and also granted an interview.
He regretted that Pastor Odumeje took laws into his hands and attempted to stop the exercise.
