I started casting out demons at 17 – Okpebholo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said he started casting out demons at the age of 17 or 18, describing his early religious experience as part of the reason he is committed to tackling insecurity and cultism in the state.

Okpebholo made the statement during a Sunday service at The VOTAGE Church, also known as The Voice of This Age, at the WINLOS Centre in Benin City.

A video of the governor’s remarks resurfaced and began trending on social media on Tuesday.

“When I see young ones standing in the presence of God, I remember at the age of 17/18, I’ve also started casting out demons,” Okpebholo said.

He added, “So fighting insecurity, most especially cultism, is not a new thing to me. It’s something that has been happening.”

The VOTAGE Church confirmed the governor’s attendance at the service in a post on Instagram on Sunday, saying it was honoured to host him.

According to the church, the service was dedicated to prayers for the “peace, progress and prosperity of Edo State”.

The church also thanked the governor for worshipping with the congregation.

Okpebholo separately confirmed his attendance at the church service in a post on X, saying he had earlier worshipped at Living Faith Church on Sapele Road, Benin City, before attending The VOTAGE Church.

He said prayers were offered for the continued peace and protection of Edo State, wisdom and strength for those entrusted with leadership, as well as God’s blessings on the people and families of the state.

The governor has made insecurity and cultism major themes of his administration’s security agenda.

In June, Okpebholo requested the constitution of a special court for the speedy hearing and determination of kidnapping and cultism-related cases in Edo State.

Earlier in September, he also assured residents that his administration was working towards enabling security agencies to respond to threats within five minutes across the state.

The governor has also repeatedly urged residents to support efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities in the state.

His latest remarks at The VOTAGE Church therefore come against the backdrop of his administration’s continued emphasis on security and its campaign against cult-related activities in Edo.

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