Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has revealed that he began casting out demons at the age of 17 or 18. According to him, this early religious experience has prepared him for his current role in tackling insecurity in the state. Okpebholo made this statement during a church service at The VOTAGE Church in Benin City. He mentioned that seeing young people gathered in church reminded him of his own experience at their age.
The governor connected his teenage religious experience to his current efforts to tackle insecurity in Edo State, particularly cult-related activities. Okpebholo claimed that fighting insecurity and cultism was not new to him because he had been involved in confronting such issues since his teenage years. This, according to him, has given him an edge in dealing with the security challenges in the state.
Okpebholo also spoke about the influence of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a prominent Edo-born Pentecostal leader and founder of Church of God Mission International, on his Christian background. The governor's remarks were captured in a video from the church service which resurfaced on social media and generated attention online.
The VOTAGE Church confirmed Okpebholo's attendance at the service, describing the gathering as a time of prayer for the peace, progress, and prosperity of Edo State. Okpebholo also confirmed his attendance in a post on X, saying he worshipped at Living Faith Church on Sapele Road before proceeding to The VOTAGE Church in Benin City.
According to the governor, prayers were offered for the continued peace and protection of Edo State, as well as wisdom and strength for those in leadership and blessings for residents and their families. Okpebholo's comments have attracted attention because of the unusual way he linked his claimed teenage religious activities to his current responsibility for tackling insecurity and cultism as governor.
The governor has made insecurity a recurring issue in his administration, particularly the activities of cult groups, kidnapping, and other criminal elements in Edo State. Okpebholo's administration has been focused on addressing these security challenges, and his latest remarks presented the fight against such threats as something he had encountered long before becoming governor.
Okpebholo's comments have sparked reactions online, with many people discussing the connection between his claimed religious experience and his approach to tackling insecurity in Edo State. The governor's statement has also raised questions about the role of religion in his administration's approach to security.
Key points
- Okpebholo claims his experience in casting out demons at 17 prepared him for fighting insecurity.
- The governor linked his teenage religious experience to his current efforts to tackle cultism and other security challenges.
- Okpebholo's administration has made insecurity a priority, focusing on cult groups, kidnapping, and other criminal elements.
