…Says move against Onobun, Aigbogun is illegal and vindictive
BENIN CITY — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has strongly condemned the alleged marking for demolition of properties belonging to Hon. Marcus Onobun, a member of the House of Representatives, and Collins Aigbogun, the embattled chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, by the state government.
In a statement released on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, described the action as a “clear case of political victimisation” and a misuse of state power to intimidate opposition figures.
According to Aziegbemi, the homes of Hon. Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, and Hon. Aigbogun have been arbitrarily marked for demolition under the guise of anti-cultism efforts by the state. He stated that no court has convicted either of the two individuals, making the move not only unlawful but politically motivated.
“The Anti-Cultism Law clearly states that property can only be forfeited or demolished after a valid conviction by a competent court of law. There is no such conviction in this case—only baseless allegations,” Aziegbemi noted.
The PDP caretaker chairman warned that any attempt to carry out demolitions without a valid court order would amount to an abuse of power. He added that police officers, bulldozer operators, and the owners of demolition equipment would be held accountable for any unlawful actions, emphasizing that they do not enjoy the immunity granted to elected officials.
Aziegbemi also called on civil society organizations, well-meaning citizens, and the international community to speak out against what he described as an escalating pattern of executive intimidation in the state.
“This is not law enforcement; it is political persecution,” he said. “Weaponizing legislation to suppress opposition is a dangerous precedent and a threat to democracy not only in Edo State but across the country.”
The statement concluded with a call to Governor Godwin Obaseki and the state authorities to abandon what the PDP called a campaign of intolerance and focus instead on delivering transparent and inclusive governance that serves all Edo people, regardless of political affiliation.
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