The Edo State Government has been sued by the Edo Muslims for Good Governance (EMGG) for its decision to transfer control of multiple public schools to the Catholic Mission.
The group argues in the lawsuit, designated HAG/15/2025, that the action is unlawful because it breaches the 1999 Constitution, which protects people from discrimination and provides freedom of religion. EMGG maintains that the government made the decision without consulting Muslim stakeholders or other religious organizations.
The schools that are impacted are Obaseki Primary School in Benin City, Annunciation Catholic College in Irrua, St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School in Uzairue, and St. Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School in Benin City.
Additionally, the group is against the proposed transfer of 36 more public schools to the Catholic Mission, claiming that the action 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 all religions equal weight. State government attorneys informed the court during the hearing that they had not yet submitted a response to the lawsuit.
The case was postponed by Justice Ovenseri Aghamieghen Otameri until December 9, 2025, for a subsequent hearing.
