….Says If You Appreciate My Worth, Don’t Weaponise State Machinery To Intimidate Me”
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Government has earmarked for demolition the residence of House of Representatives member, Marcus Onobun, over allegation of hosting a cult meeting.
Onobun, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker representing Esan West and Esan Central Federal Constituency, was alleged to have convened a gathering of suspected cultists at his home in Iruekpen, Esan West Local Government Area.
The allegation emerged amid a resurgence of cult-related violence in the community.
Government officials arrived at the lawmaker’s residence on Tuesday and marked the property for demolition.
In a swift response to the accusation, Marcus Onobun strongly denied the allegation and labelled them politically motivated.
Onobun, who is also a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, challenged the state government to present evidence linking him to the clashes.
“These allegation is not only false and unfounded, but also clearly politically motivated to tarnish my hard-earned reputation,” Onobun declared.
“Let it be on record that, from reliable sources, the recent clash happened at a brothel near the cattle market, nowhere near my residence.”
He also pointed to what he described as a troubling pattern of targeting PDP leaders, citing the prior demolition threats against the hotel owned by PDP campaign Director-General, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and the home of party chieftain Chief Francis Inegbineki.
“No official communication, no investigation, no court ruling—yet my property has been marked. This is a law clearly aimed at silencing opposition voices,” Onobun said.
In a final swipe, Onobun added: “If you admire what I bring to the table politically, seek my support—don’t weaponise state machinery to intimidate me.”