A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered Prophet Tamarauebi Elisha Owan, founder of GreatGod Holy Tabernacle, to pay ₦200 million in damages for the unlawful destruction of the Osuopele Beniseide Opu-Oru Temple, an Egbesu shrine where Niger Delta leader Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and others serve as chief priests.
In a judgment delivered on June 29, 2026, Justice H.A. Nganjiwa ruled that the actions of Prophet Owan and members of his congregation were unconstitutional and violated the constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
The court also issued a mandatory injunction directing the prophet and his co-respondents to rebuild the traditional place of worship.
The case stemmed from an incident on December 20, 2024, in Ojobo, Delta State, when Prophet Owan and members of his church allegedly invaded the shrine under the guise of “combating evil spirits,” causing extensive damage to the temple.
