A Federal High Court in Warri has ordered Prophet Tamarauebi Elisha Owan, founder of GreatGod Holy Tabernacle, to pay ₦200 million in damages over the demolition of a traditional Egbesu shrine in Delta State.
The court also directed him and the other respondents to rebuild the sacred site after finding that their actions violated the rights of traditional worshippers.
According to ugheli vibes report, the court ruled that those involved acted unlawfully when they destroyed the shrine in Ojobo Community, Delta State. The judgment also requires the respondents to restore the place of worship.
The legal dispute followed an incident that took place on December 20, 2024. Court documents showed that Owan and members of his church entered the Osuopele Beniseide Opu-Oru Temple during what they described as a spiritual exercise to drive out evil spirits from the area.
However, the operation ended with the shrine in ruins. Several cultural artefacts and sacred objects associated with the Egbesu faith were reportedly destroyed. The incident sparked outrage among traditional worshippers, who argued that the demolition violated both their religious rights and the community’s cultural heritage.
In its judgment delivered on June 29, 2026, the Federal High Court agreed that the demolition went beyond a property dispute. The judge held that the actions amounted to religious discrimination and infringed on the constitutional rights of those who practise traditional religion.
The court specifically cited Sections 10 and 38 of the 1999 Constitution. These provisions guarantee every Nigerian the freedom to practise and manifest their religion. They also prohibit the state from adopting or favouring one religion over another.
As part of the ruling, the court awarded ₦200 million in damages against the prophet and the other respondents. Beyond the financial penalty, the judge issued a mandatory order directing them to rebuild the demolished shrine and restore what was destroyed during the incident.
The prophet ordered ₦200m judgment has drawn attention because it reinforces the constitutional protection of religious freedom in Nigeria. It also highlights the need to respect places of worship, regardless of religious belief or tradition.
Legal observers believe the decision could influence similar disputes involving traditional religious sites in the future. They say the ruling sends a strong message that every recognised faith deserves equal protection under the law.
For many observers, the prophet ordered ₦200m ruling is more than a compensation case. It also serves as a reminder that religious freedom extends to traditional worshippers and that the destruction of sacred sites can carry serious legal consequences.
