The Edo State Government has marked the residence of Hon. Marcus Onobun, a member of the House of Representatives and former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, for demolition over allegations of cult-related activities.
According to sources, Onobun is alleged to have convened a meeting involving suspected cultists at his residence in Iruekpen, Esan West Local Government Area—a gathering that reportedly escalated into violence. The development comes amid a resurgence of cult-related violence in the area, which has reportedly left several individuals injured.
Hon. Onobun, the sole People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representative from Edo State in the National Assembly, has categorically denied the allegations. In a statement released on Sunday, 9 June 2025, he dismissed the claims as false, politically motivated, and designed to damage his reputation.
“Reliable sources informed me that the altercation occurred between two members of the Iruekpen community at a brothel located within the cattle market, not at or near my residence,” Onobun stated.
Despite his denial, officials from the state government on Tuesday proceeded to mark his property for demolition. In response, Onobun described the action as both illegal and unconstitutional, asserting that he had not been formally notified, nor had any investigation or judicial ruling preceded the decision.
“There was no official communication, no investigation, and no court order. What we are witnessing in Edo State is a legal process being weaponized against opposition figures,” he said.
Onobun further cited previous incidents involving PDP leaders, noting that the hotel belonging to the party’s governorship campaign director general, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, as well as the residence of Chief Francis Inegbineki, had similarly been marked for demolition.
He concluded by suggesting that the current trend signals an attempt by the ruling party to intimidate and silence dissenting voices under the guise of law enforcement.
