A Federal High Court sitting in Warri has awarded a total of N205 million in damages against Prophet Tamarauebi Elisha Owan and eight members of the Greatgod Holy Tabernacle over the destruction of the Osuopele Benesede Opu-Oru Temple in Ojobo, Delta State.

The court also ordered the respondents to rebuild the traditional shrine, publish public apologies in two national newspapers, and refrain from further harassment of worshippers of the Egbesu temple.

In its judgment delivered on June 29, 2026, the court held that the respondents’ actions violated Sections 10 and 38 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee freedom of religion and prohibit the adoption of a state religion.

The court declared that the harassment of the applicant and worshippers of the Osuopele Benesede Opu-Oru Temple was unconstitutional, discriminatory, and a violation of their fundamental rights. It further restrained the respondents from harassing the worshippers and ordered them to remain at least 10 kilometres away from the temple and its adherents.

The court directed the respondents to rebuild the shrine destroyed on December 20, 2024, and awarded N100 million as exemplary damages, N100 million as general damages, and N5 million as the cost of the suit.

It also ordered them to tender a public apology in two national daily newspapers.

Reacting to the judgment, spokesperson of the Izon Cultural Heritage Council (ICHC), Odede Precious, described the ruling as a correction of a longstanding injustice.

He urged the respondents to comply with the court’s orders while calling on others to respect the rights of traditional religious adherents. (The Nation)

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