…Hon. Marcus Onobun denies allegations, says move is politically motivated
BENIN CITY — 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 alleged links to cult-related violence in the state.
Sources informed news men that Onobun, the only People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Edo State currently serving in the National Assembly, was accused of convening a cult meeting at his Iruekpen residence in Esan West Local Government Area — a meeting that reportedly turned violent and left several individuals injured.
The allegation comes amid renewed cult-related unrest in the Iruekpen community, raising security concerns in the area.
However, Hon. Onobun has vehemently denied any involvement in the incident. In a statement issued on Sunday, June 9, 2025, he described the claims as “false, unfounded, and politically motivated,” insisting the clashes occurred at a brothel near the cattle market — far from his residence.
“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 stated.
Despite his denial, government officials on Tuesday proceeded to mark Onobun’s residence for demolition, sparking political tension in the state.
Reacting to the development, Onobun called the move illegal and accused the government of weaponizing state power against opposition figures.
“Nobody wrote me officially. No investigation and no court pronouncement,” he said. “What we are seeing in Edo State is a law that is clearly targeted at the opposition members.”
He further alleged that the state government’s actions were part of a broader campaign against prominent PDP figures, citing the marking of the hotel belonging to PDP governorship campaign director general, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, and the residence of party leader Chief Francis Inegbineki.
“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,” Onobun added, calling for due process and respect for democratic principles.
As the political drama unfolds, observers warn that the situation could escalate tensions ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Edo State.
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