By Paul Joseph
A Federal High Court sitting in Warri has ordered Prophet Tamarauebi Elisha Owan and members of the Greatgod Holy Tabernacle to pay ₦205 million in damages to Egbesu worshippers over the destruction of the Osuopele Benesede Opu-Oru Temple in Ojobo, Delta State.
The court also directed the respondents to rebuild the traditional shrine, issue a public apology in two national newspapers, and stay at least 10 kilometres away from the applicant and worshippers.
The suit followed the demolition of the shrine on December 20, 2024, when Prophet Owan and members of his church allegedly stormed the temple and destroyed the worship centre and historical artefacts, claiming they were combating evil spirits.
In its judgment delivered on June 29, 2026, the court held that the actions of the respondents were discriminatory, unconstitutional, and violated Sections 10 and 38 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and prohibit state endorsement of any religion.
The court awarded ₦100 million as exemplary damages for the unlawful destruction of the shrine, another ₦100 million as general damages for the humiliation and violation of the worshippers’ constitutional rights, and ₦5 million as the cost of filing the suit.
Reacting to the ruling, spokesperson of the Izon Cultural Heritage Council (ICHC), Odede Precious, described the judgment as a landmark victory for traditional religion practitioners.
He urged Prophet Owan and the other respondents to comply with the court’s orders and warned against further harassment or persecution of adherents of traditional faiths.
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