Edo State Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Dennis Idahosa has broken his silence after being accused in a viral video of belonging to a secret cult — a charge he describes as not only false, but a calculated attack on his integrity and the state’s collective fight against criminal networks.
The accusation, made by a man identified as Emmanuel Agbogun, alleged that Idahosa and other respected figures from Edo State are involved in rival cult groups. The video, which spread rapidly on social media, has stirred controversy and concern in political circles.
But Idahosa, clearly incensed by the claim, responded with a sharply worded statement on Friday, calling the allegation “a deliberate smear campaign aimed at destroying my name and distracting from the government’s crackdown on cultism.”
“I have never been a member of any cult,” Idahosa declared. “These claims are malicious, unfounded, and designed solely to undermine my reputation and the work we are doing to make Edo safer.”
The Deputy Governor’s rebuttal went beyond self-defense — it was a full-throated condemnation of what he sees as a growing trend of politically motivated defamation in the digital age. He described the accusations as not just hurtful, but dangerous, especially as the state ramps up its battle against violent gangs and cult-related activities.
“These fabrications are not just about me,” he said. “They are attempts to weaken public trust in leadership and shift focus away from real progress being made in dismantling cult networks in Edo.”
Idahosa vowed to seek legal redress and ensure that those spreading falsehoods are held accountable. He also reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, rule of law, and the safety of Edo residents.
As Edo State grapples with issues of security and political stability ahead of future elections, the Deputy Governor’s swift and forceful response signals a zero-tolerance stance for personal attacks cloaked as activism.