The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has strongly condemned the state government's decision to mark for demolition the residences of House of Representatives member Marcus Onobun and a local government chairman over alleged connections to cultism.

Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, issued a statement on Wednesday in Benin City describing the action as "political victimization" against Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, and Collins Aigbogun, whom the party described as "the illegally impeached elected chairman of Esan West Local Government Area."

Alleged Abuse of Anti-Cultism Law

According to Aziegbemi, the properties in the politicians' hometowns were jointly marked for demolition without due process. The PDP chairman emphasized that the state's Anti-Cultism Law clearly stipulates that property can only be subject to forfeiture or demolition "after a valid conviction by a competent court of law."

"At present, there is no such conviction against Hon Onobun and Hon Aigbogun but only baseless allegations. This is not law enforcement; it is a political witch-hunt," Aziegbemi stated in the release dated June 11, 2025.

The PDP described the move as "a desperate attempt to intimidate, silence and cripple the opposition in the state" and "a disturbing abuse of power and a misuse of legislation to target political opponents."

Call for Immediate Action

The opposition party has demanded an immediate halt to the planned demolitions and called on the state government to "retrace its steps and respect the legal rights and fundamental freedoms" of the affected individuals, regardless of their political affiliation.

"We wish to remind the Edo State Government that Nigeria is governed by law, not by executive fiat. The weaponisation of laws to stifle opposition voices and intimidate perceived political rivals is not only a threat to democracy in Edo State but a dangerous precedent for the rest of the country," the statement read.

The PDP also issued a warning to law enforcement officers and equipment operators, stating that "policemen, bulldozer drivers, as well as owners of the bulldozers, will be held liable if, for any reason, they participate in the supervision, destruction, or demolition of any building or property without a valid court order."

Aziegbemi concluded by calling on Senator Okpebholo and the Edo State Government to "cease this intolerance for dissenting voices and vindictive demolition in various guises" and instead focus on "delivering transparent, inclusive, and effective governance that truly serves the interests of the Edo people."

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