Governor Okpebholo recalls casting out demons as teenager

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.

Okpebholo made the remarks in a video trending on X on Tuesday while speaking at the newly inaugurated Winlos Centre owned by Pastor Ohis and Anwili Ojeikere.

The governor said seeing young people 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,” he said.

Okpebholo said his experience confronting spiritual challenges at a young age had also shaped his understanding of the fight against insecurity, particularly cultism.

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

He also recalled the influence of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, founder of the Church of God Mission International, on his religious journey.

Okpebholo has repeatedly identified insecurity, including cult-related violence, as one of the challenges requiring attention in Edo State, particularly among young people.