NEWS
Court Awards ₦205 Million to Egbesu Worshippers, Orders Reconstruction of Demolished Delta Shrine
— Orders Prophet to Rebuild Shrine, Says Destruction Violates Freedom of Worship
A Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has awarded ₦205 million in damages to worshippers of the Osuopele Benesede Opu-Oru Temple following the demolition of their traditional shrine, declaring the destruction a violation of their constitutional right to freedom of religion.
In a landmark judgment delivered on June 29, 2026, the court found Prophet Tamarauebi Elisha Owan and eight members of the Greatgod Holy Tabernacle liable for the destruction of the shrine located in Ojobo, Delta State.
The court held that the respondents’ actions breached Sections 10 and 38 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee freedom of worship and prohibit the adoption of any religion as a state religion.
As part of the ruling, the court declared that the harassment and intimidation of the applicant and other worshippers of the Osuopele Benesede Opu-Oru Temple were unconstitutional, discriminatory, and amounted to a violation of their fundamental human rights.
The court further issued a restraining order prohibiting the respondents from harassing members of the Egbesu faith and directed them to remain at least 10 kilometres away from the temple and its worshippers.
In addition to the restraining order, the court mandated the respondents to rebuild the traditional shrine, which was demolished on December 20, 2024, restoring it to its former state.
The judgment also awarded ₦100 million as exemplary damages, ₦100 million as general damages, and ₦5 million as the cost of the suit, bringing the total compensation to ₦205 million.
The respondents were equally ordered to publish public apologies in two national daily newspapers and to desist from any further acts capable of infringing on the religious rights of the Egbesu worshippers.
The ruling is being regarded as a significant affirmation of constitutional protections for religious freedom and the rights of adherents of traditional African religions in Nigeria.