Tensions have escalated in the Ozobo community of Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, following the demolition and burning of the Osuopele Temple, a traditional worship site, by Prophet Tamarauebi Owan, General Overseer of the Great God Holy Tabernacle Ministry.
The temple, which serves as the worship center for adherents of the Osuopele Deity, was allegedly razed by the clergy and his congregation during a crusade.
This act has reignited a long-standing conflict between the church and the traditional worshippers with accusations of religious intolerance and disregard for constitutional rights.
The newly-installed High Priest of the Osuopele Deity, Timipre Ndoni, confirmed the incident, describing it as a continuation of attacks on the temple by Prophet Owan.
He alleged that the clergy had targeted the site multiple times since 2019 when a 150-year-old healing tree was cut down during a similar crusade.
“Around 2019 or 2020, he brought a crusade tagged Jesu Ode to the community, seized the opportunity to invade the Osuopele House, and cut down a 150-year healing tree which is the symbol of the Osuopele deity in the Ozobo community,” Ndoni said.
He added that despite efforts to address the issue through the community leadership, Prophet Owan continued the attacks, culminating in the December 19, 2024, burning of the temple.
“Initially, there were fears in the community of a possible reprisal attack, but God gave me the wisdom to restrain my followers from taking laws into their own hands,” Ndoni stated.
The Ijaw Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC), a human rights organization, has taken up the matter, accusing Owan and his congregation of violating Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and worship.
“In light of the foregoing, we call on the Nigeria Police Force to act before this matter degenerates into an inter-religious crisis as we are doing our best to calm the temper of our worshippers,” said Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, Chairman of the ICHC.
Meanwhile, Prophet Owan defended his actions, stating that idols should be left to fight for themselves if they possess any power.
“If a human being destroyed idols or properties of a deity, it is left for those things to fight. If they cannot fight for themselves, why should human beings fight for them?” he said.
He dismissed claims of wrongdoing and vowed not to apologize or back down.
“If I can put my life on the line for the sake of what God has asked me to do, then I will not worry because my life is in the hands of God and I am doing what He asked me to do,” Owan declared.
The traditional worshippers have demanded a public apology, restitution, and the cleansing of the desecrated temple.
