The Edo State Government has marked the residence of House of Representatives member, Hon. Marcus Onobun, for demolition over allegations of hosting cult-related activities at his property.
According to reports gathered by BenriNews, the former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly allegedly convened a meeting of cultists at his residence which reportedly escalated into violence. The government's action follows renewed cult-related clashes in Iruekpen community, Esan West Local Government Area, where several individuals reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries.
Onobun, the only People's Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Edo State in the National Assembly, has vehemently denied the allegations. On Sunday, June 9, 2025, he released a statement refuting any connection to the violent incidents.
"Let it be on record that from reliable sources, I am informed that the clash arose between two indigenes of the Iruekpen community at a brothel within the cattle market and not anywhere close to my residence," Onobun stated. He characterized the allegations as politically motivated attempts to tarnish his reputation.
Despite his denials, state government officials on Tuesday proceeded to mark the lawmaker's residence for demolition. Responding to this development, Onobun described the government's action as illegal and challenged authorities to provide evidence supporting their allegations.
"Nobody wrote me officially. No investigation and no court pronouncement," the lawmaker protested. "What we are seeing in Edo State is a law that is clearly targeted at opposition members. If you feel I have what you don't have in your party, and you want my support, you should be able to persuade me."
Pattern of Targeting Opposition?
Onobun further alleged that this incident is part of a broader pattern, noting that the hotel belonging to the PDP governorship campaign director general, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, was similarly marked for demolition. He also mentioned that the residence of another party leader, Chief Francis Inegbineki, faced similar threats.
The situation highlights growing tensions between the state government and opposition figures in Edo State, raising questions about the use of administrative powers in political contests.
As of press time, the Edo State Government had not responded to requests for comment on the specific evidence supporting the allegations against Onobun.
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