I Started Casting Out Demons At 17/18 Years Old — Gov Okpebholo

Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, has recalled his early involvement in Christian ministry, saying he began casting out demons at the age of 17 or 18 and has long been involved in the fight against insecurity, particularly cultism.

Okpebholo made the remarks in a video trending on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, during an address at the newly inaugurated Winlos Centre owned by Pastor Ohis and Anwili Ojeikere.

The governor, while speaking about his experience in the Christian faith and his commitment to tackling insecurity, said seeing young people standing in the presence of God 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 added that his experience in confronting spiritual challenges at a young age had also shaped his understanding of the fight against insecurity, especially cult-related activities.

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

Okpebholo also recalled the influence of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, one of Nigeria’s prominent Pentecostal Christian leaders, in his religious journey.

“I remember Archbishop Idahosa,” the governor said, referencing the late founder of the Church of God Mission International, whose ministry was particularly influential in Edo State and across Nigeria.

Okpebholo has repeatedly identified insecurity, including cult-related violence, as one of the challenges requiring attention in the state, particularly in relation to young people.