Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has recalled a surprising part of his teenage years while speaking at a church in Benin City.
The governor said he began casting out demons when he was around 17 or 18 years old.
His remark came during a Sunday service at The VOTAGE Church, held at the WINLOS Centre in Benin City.
Okpebholo said seeing young people worshipping reminded him of his early Christian experiences.
“When I see young ones standing in the presence of God, I remember at the age of 17/18, Thave also started casting out demons. So fighting insecurity, most especially cultism, is not a new thing to me. It’s something that has been happening.”
The governor linked his teenage spiritual experience to his views on insecurity and cultism in Edo State.
He said confronting such challenges was not something new to him.
Okpebholo also recalled the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa during his remarks.
Idahosa was the founder of Church of God Mission International and had a major Christian ministry presence in Edo State.
The governor’s comments have since drawn attention online after a video of the church appearance circulated on social media.
Okpebholo later confirmed his church attendance in a post on X.
He said he first worshipped at Living Faith Church on Sapele Road before attending The VOTAGE Church.
The governor described the gathering as a time of thanksgiving, fellowship and prayer.
He said prayers were offered for peace and protection across Edo State.
The governor also prayed for wisdom and strength for those serving in leadership.
Okpebholo said his administration would continue serving Edo residents with humility, purpose and dedication.
