Muslim Group Files Lawsuit Against Edo Government Over Public Schools Handover to Catholic Mission

The Edo State Government has been sued by the Edo Muslims for Good Governance (EMGG) for giving the Catholic Mission control over a number of public schools.

The group argues that the action breaches the 1999 Constitution, which provides freedom of religion and protection from discrimination, in the lawsuit, designated HAG/15/2025. EMGG maintains that Muslim stakeholders and other religious organizations were not consulted by the government prior to the decision.

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 are among the schools impacted.

Additionally, the group opposes the proposed transfer of 36 more public schools to the Catholic Mission, claiming that it is discriminatory and does not have legislative permission.

EMGG is requesting that the court prevent the state government from transferring any public school to a religious organization without following the proper procedures and giving equal weight to all religions. The state government’s attorney informed the court during the hearing that they had not yet submitted their answer to the lawsuit.

The case was postponed until December 9, 2025, by Justice Ovenseri Aghamieghen Otameri.