Edo Muslims File Suit Against State Govt Over Transfer of Public Schools to Catholic Mission
Story: written by Peterson November 14,2025
The Edo Muslims for Good Governance (EMGG) has taken the Edo State Government to court over its decision to hand several public schools to the Catholic Mission, arguing the move violates constitutional protections.
Filed as HAG/15/2025, the suit claims the government acted without consulting Muslim stakeholders or other religious groups, in breach of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and protection against discrimination.
Among the schools affected are St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School in Benin City, Annunciation Catholic College in Irrua, St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School in Uzairue, and Obaseki Primary School in Benin City. EMGG also opposes the planned transfer of 36 additional public schools to the Catholic Mission, calling the action discriminatory and lacking proper legislative approval.
The group is urging the court to halt any further handovers of public schools to religious organizations unless there is due process and equal consideration for all faiths. At the hearing, the state government’s counsel informed the court that a response to the suit has not yet been filed.
Justice Ovenseri Aghamieghen Otameri adjourned the matter to December 9, 2025, for further hearing.
