Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has disclosed that he began casting out demons at the age of 17, recalling his early involvement in Christian ministry.
Okpebholo made the disclosure while speaking at the inauguration of the Winlos Centre owned by Pastor Ohis and Anwili Ojeikere. A video of his remarks has been trending on X.
The governor said seeing young people gathered in worship reminded him of his own early years in ministry.
“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 linked his early experience in ministry to his approach to tackling insecurity in Edo State, particularly cult-related violence.
“So fighting insecurity, most especially cultism, is not a new thing to me. It’s something that has been happening,” he said.
Okpebholo also referenced the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, founder of Church of God Mission International, as an influence on his Christian journey.
“I remember Archbishop Idahosa,” he said.
Idahosa was one of Nigeria’s most prominent Pentecostal leaders, with wide influence in Edo State and beyond.
The governor has repeatedly listed cultism and insecurity among major challenges facing Edo, especially among youths.
His comments come as his administration continues to highlight efforts to curb cult-related activities and insecurity in the state.
