BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has disclosed that he started “casting out demons” at the age of 17 or 18, linking his early spiritual experiences to his current efforts against insecurity and cultism in the state.
The governor made the remarks during a church service on Sunday at The VOTAGE Church (also known as Voice of This Age) at the newly inaugurated WINLOS Centre in Benin City, owned by Pastor Ohis and Anwili Ojeikere. A video of his comments circulated widely on social media platforms, including X, on Tuesday.
Addressing young worshippers, Okpebholo said their presence in church reminded him of his own teenage years in Christian 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,” he stated.
He connected those experiences to his approach to governance and security challenges. “So fighting insecurity, most especially cultism, is not a new thing to me. It’s something that has been happening,” Okpebholo added.
The governor also paid tribute to the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, the influential Pentecostal leader and founder of the Church of God Mission International, describing him as a significant influence on his spiritual journey. In one account of his remarks, Okpebholo referenced a story involving Idahosa confronting witches and expressed confidence that Edo State would remain safe.
Okpebholo later confirmed his attendance at the service in a post on X, noting that he had also worshipped earlier at Living Faith Church on Sapele Road. He described the gatherings as “a beautiful time of thanksgiving, fellowship and prayer,” during which the congregation prayed for the continued peace and protection of Edo State, wisdom for leaders, and blessings for the people.
Church leaders welcomed the governor’s visit. The lead pastor described it as an opportunity to appreciate Okpebholo’s commitment to the people of Edo and to pray for the state’s progress. In a statement after the service, The VOTAGE Church said it was honoured to host the governor and that prayers were offered for peace, progress and prosperity in the state.
The comments have generated mixed reactions online, with some users questioning the remarks while others viewed them in the context of the governor’s faith and his administration’s focus on tackling cultism and insecurity among young people. Okpebholo has previously identified insecurity and cult-related activities as priority areas for his government.
The disclosure highlights the role of personal faith narratives in Nigerian public life, particularly among leaders addressing social challenges through both spiritual and governmental lenses.
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