At 17, I Was Already Casting Out Demons — Edo Governor Okpebholo

By Opeyemi Adelakun

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has recounted his early involvement in Christian ministry, revealing that he started casting out demons at about 17 or 18.

Okpebholo spoke while addressing worshippers at the newly inaugurated Winlos Centre owned by Pastor Ohis and Anwili Ojeikere.

In a video of the event circulating on X on Tuesday, the governor said the sight of young people gathered in worship brought back memories of his formative 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,” Okpebholo said.

The governor said his early experiences had also informed his approach to the fight against insecurity, especially cult-related activities in Edo State.

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

Okpebholo also paid tribute to the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, whom he identified as an important influence in his Christian journey.

“I remember Archbishop Idahosa,” he said.

Idahosa, the founder of the Church of God Mission International, was one of Nigeria’s prominent Pentecostal leaders and had a strong ministry presence in Edo State.

The governor has continued to place insecurity and cult-related violence among the issues his administration says it is working to address, particularly in relation to young people across the state.