Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has disclosed that his involvement in Christian ministry began during his teenage years, saying he started “casting out demons” when he was about 17 or 18 years old.
Okpebholo made the disclosure while addressing worshippers at the Winlos Centre, where he spoke about his early religious experiences and his long-standing interest in confronting insecurity and cultism. Multiple reports published on September 29 quoted the governor as saying he began the spiritual activity at about 17 or 18.
The governor linked that background to his position on insecurity, particularly cult-related activities and other forms of violent crime in Edo State.
“Fighting insecurities, especially cultism, is not a new thing to me. It is something that has been happening,” Okpebholo said, according to reports of his remarks.
Early Religious Experience
The governor’s account places his current emphasis on security within a personal history of religious involvement dating back to his youth.
His remarks have attracted attention because of the unusual nature of the disclosure and the combination of religious experience with his current responsibilities as governor.
Reports said he made the comments while speaking to worshippers at the newly inaugurated Winlos Centre, associated with Pastor Ohis and Prophetess Anwinli Ojeikere.
Okpebholo’s Position on Insecurity
Security has remained an important issue for the Edo State Government, particularly in relation to kidnapping and cultism.
Earlier in September, the governor urged residents to support security agencies in efforts to combat kidnapping and other crimes. His administration has also pointed to joint security operations, including regular bush-combing exercises, as part of efforts to address insecurity.
The governor’s latest remarks provide a personal explanation for his longstanding interest in spiritual and security-related matters.
His description of his teenage activities should be understood as his own account of his early religious experience.