The Edo State Government has marked the residence of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Marcus Onobun, for demolition over alleged cult-related activities.The Edo State Government has marked the residence of a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Marcus Onobun, for demolition over alleged cult-related activities.
The former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly was alleged to have convened a meeting of cultists at his residence, which reportedly turned violent.
The allegation follows renewed cult-related activity in the Iruekpen community in Esan West Local Government Area, where several individuals were said to have sustained varying degrees of injury.
The only People’s Democratic Party, PDP lawmaker from Edo State in the National Assembly had, on Sunday, 9 June 2025, denied the claims, including any connection to the clashes.
He asserted that the allegations were not only false and unfounded but also appeared politically motivated with the intent to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.
“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,” he said.
However, officials of the state government, on Tuesday, marked the lawmaker’s residence for demolition.
Responding to the planned demolition, Onobun described the move as illegal and challenged the government to provide evidence for the allegations.
“Nobody wrote me officially. No investigation and no court pronouncement.
“What we are seeing in Edo State is a law that is clearly targeted at the 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,” he added.
He also recalled how the hotel of the PDP governorship campaign director general, Hon Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, was marked for demolition, in addition to the residence of another party leader, Chief Francis Inegbineki.
