RismadarVoice Reporters
July 3, 2026
The Federal High Court sitting in Warri has awarded ₦200 million in damages to worshippers of the Osuopele Beniseide Egbesu Temple over the destruction of their traditional shrine in Delta State.
The court also ordered Christian cleric, Prophet Tamarauebi Elisha Owan, and members of his church to rebuild the shrine, publish a public apology in two national newspapers, and stay at least 10 kilometres away from the worshippers.
The court held that the destruction of the shrine in December 2024 violated the constitutional rights of the applicants to freedom of religion and worship, declaring the action unconstitutional.
The judgment followed a suit filed after the shrine was allegedly demolished by the prophet and members of his congregation.
The court also awarded ₦5 million as the cost of the suit.
