‘I Started Casting Out Demons at 17’ — Edo Governor Okpebholo Links Teenage Experience to Fight Against Insecurity

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has attracted widespread attention after recalling his early involvement in Christian ministry, saying he began “casting out demons” when he was about 17 or 18 years old. The governor made the statement while speaking during a church service at The VOTAGE Church, also known as Voice of This Age, at the WINLOS Centre in Benin City. A video clip from the service circulated widely on social media on September 29, bringing renewed attention to the governor’s comments about his teenage years and his approach to insecurity and cultism in Edo State. Addressing worshippers, Okpebholo said seeing young people gathered in church reminded him of his own experiences as a teenager. He said he had already become involved in spiritual activities at the age of 17 or 18. “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,” the governor said. He subsequently connected that experience to his current position on insecurity, particularly cultism. According to him, confronting such challenges was not a completely unfamiliar experience. “So fighting insecurity, most especially cultism, is not a new thing to me. It’s something that has been happening,” he said. Okpebholo’s comments come against the backdrop of continuing security concerns in Edo State, including cult-related violence and other criminal activities. The governor has repeatedly identified security as an important issue for his administration, with particular attention to cultism and violence involving young people. His latest remarks presented his teenage religious experiences as part of the background to his understanding of spiritual and social challenges. However, the portion of the video circulating online did not provide further details about the specific circumstances or activities the governor was referring to when he said he began casting out demons at 17 or 18. During the church service, the governor also referred to the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a prominent Pentecostal figure from Edo State. Okpebholo recalled an account involving Idahosa and people he described as witches who allegedly threatened the cleric. The governor used the story while expressing his belief that Edo State would remain safe. He also called on residents to continue praying for the state and the country. His comments reflected the religious setting in which he was speaking, where prayers for peace, protection and the wellbeing of Edo residents formed part of the gathering. Okpebholo expressed confidence in the future of the state and said he believed Edo would be safe. He acknowledged that the responsibilities of governing and addressing insecurity were difficult, while appealing for continued prayers. After the service, the governor also reflected on the gathering in a statement shared on his X account. He described the occasion as one of thanksgiving, fellowship and prayer and said his administration remained committed to serving Edo State. According to reports, he said prayers were offered for the continued peace and protection of the state, as well as for wisdom and strength for those entrusted with leadership. The governor’s statement has attracted attention largely because of the unusual connection he made between his teenage religious experiences and the challenge of insecurity and cultism confronting the state. The short video quickly circulated across social media, prompting different reactions from Nigerians. Some online users questioned the statement and its relevance to governance, while others defended the governor’s right to recount his religious experiences. The reactions demonstrate how statements made by public officials in religious settings can quickly move beyond the original audience once clips are shared widely online. Beyond the social-media debate surrounding the governor’s statement, insecurity remains an important issue for Edo State. Cult-related violence, kidnapping, armed crime and other forms of criminal activity have previously been reported as security concerns in the state. The state government has consequently continued to emphasise efforts against cultism and other criminal activities. Okpebholo’s latest remarks therefore come at a time when residents and authorities continue to focus on how to reduce violence and improve security across communities. For the governor, his comments at the church service provided an opportunity to explain his personal connection to religious activities and his perspective on the fight against cultism. The viral reaction, meanwhile, has shifted attention to an unusual chapter of his personal history, his claim that his involvement in spiritual activities began more than three decades before he became governor of Edo State. For now, the governor’s central message from the church gathering was that Edo State should continue to pray for peace and that his administration would remain focused on addressing the challenges confronting its people.