Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
The Edo State Government under Senator Monday Okpebholo has once again drawn fierce criticism over what many describe as a renewed wave of political oppression, intimidation, and targeted harassment against opposition voices in the state.
This time, the storm centers around Hon. Marcus Onobun, the lawmaker representing Esan West, Esan Central, and Igueben Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Hon. Collins Aigbogun, the Executive Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area. Properties belonging to both officials in their hometowns have been marked for demolition—actions many observers say are driven more by politics than law.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, condemned what it described as “a brazen and vindictive misuse of power” by the Okpebholo-led administration.
“This is not law enforcement; it is a political witch-hunt,” the PDP declared.
The party emphasized that the Anti-Cultism Law cited by the government in its latest demolition push stipulates clearly that property forfeiture or demolition must follow a valid conviction by a competent court of law—something entirely absent in this case.
“There is no conviction, no court ruling—just baseless, unproven allegations,” the PDP stated. “The state government is weaponizing legislation in a desperate attempt to silence opposition voices.”
The party warned that this troubling pattern represents more than a local political crisis—it sets a dangerous precedent for Nigerian democracy at large.
“Nigeria is a country governed by law, not executive fiat,” the statement continued. “This is a slippery slope that erodes constitutional governance.”
Calling on civil society organizations, democratic institutions, and the international community to take notice, the PDP urged immediate intervention to stop the planned demolitions.
“We demand that the Edo State Government halt these unlawful acts and respect the legal and human rights of Hon. Onobun, Hon. Aigbogun, and all citizens—irrespective of political affiliation.”
In a stern warning, the PDP also put bulldozer drivers, law enforcement personnel, and machinery owners on notice, warning that they could be held personally liable if they partake in any demolition not backed by a court order.
“Unlike the governor, they enjoy no immunity. Executing unlawful orders will not shield them from legal consequences,” the party emphasized.
Dr. Aziegbemi concluded the statement with a call for Senator Okpebholo to abandon what he described as “vindictive demolition disguised as governance” and instead embrace transparency, inclusion, and respect for dissent.
“This political victimisation must stop. Edo deserves leadership, not intimidation,” he declared.