Edo Deputy Governor Denies Membership of Cult Group, Threatens Legal Action

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City 

Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, yesterday, debunked the allegation of being a secret cult member, describing such allegation as not only malicious, but defamatory and unfounded. 

Idahosa in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, said his attention was drawn to a circulating video on social media where one Emmanuel Agbogun falsely accused him of being a member of a secret cult.

The denial came against the backdrop of war against the activities of cult groups recently launched by the state government which culminated in demolishing buildings used for cult activities, kidnapping, ritual purposes and mass arrest of suspected members.

Against this backdrop, the Edo deputy governor has threatened to institute a legal action against the said Agbogun for defaming his character. 

He said, “In the said publication, Mr. Agbogun mentioned my name and those of other notable citizens of Edo State, alleging that we are members of various cult groups in the state.

“I categorically state that these accusations are spurious, defamatory, malicious, unfounded, and grossly misleading. They are a deliberate attempt to tarnish my hard-earned reputation and to undermine my unwavering dedication to public service. 

“These allegations also seek to distract this administration’s ongoing efforts to combat cultism and restore peace and order in Edo State. The claim that I am affiliated with any secret cult group is entirely false and baseless.”

Continuing, Idahosa declared: “I vehemently deny any involvement, both past or present in cult-related activities. As a public servant and the current Deputy Governor of Edo State, I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in serving the good people of Edo State and Nigeria at large.

“Let me again reiterate that I consider this publication not only slanderous but also a direct attack on my character. I will not treat it lightly and will pursue all legal avenues to ensure that such defamation is addressed within the full extent of the law.

“This administration remains firmly committed to its zero-tolerance policy on cultism and other societal vices. Cult-related activities are a menace to our communities and the development of our dear state, and we will continue to work tirelessly to root them out.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not, and have never been, a member of any secret cult. I am a Christian and a steadfast believer in the teachings of Jesus Christ.”