Muslim Group Sues Edo Government Over Plan to Transfer Public Schools to Catholic Mission

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The Edo Muslims for Good Governance (EMGG) has sued the Edo State Government over its decision to hand over several public schools to the Catholic Mission, alleging that the move violates constitutional provisions on religious freedom and equality.

Filed as HAG/15/2025, the suit challenges the legality of the planned transfer, with EMGG accusing the government of sidelining Muslim stakeholders and other religious groups in the decision-making process. The group argues that the 1999 Constitution protects citizens from discrimination and forbids any action that could favour one faith over another.

Schools listed in the dispute include 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 is also resisting the proposed transfer of 36 additional public schools, describing the move as discriminatory, unilateral, and lacking legislative backing.

The group is asking the court to restrain the state government from ceding any public school to a religious organisation without due process and equal consideration for all faiths.

During the hearing, counsel to the state government told the court that the government had not yet filed its response.

Justice Ovenseri Aghamieghen Otameri adjourned the case to December 9, 2025, for further hearing.