Drama In Edo: Opposition Lawmaker Cries Foul As Govt Marks His House For Demolition
In a development stirring controversy across Edo State, the residence of Hon. Marcus Onobun, a sitting member of the House of Representatives and former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, has been marked for demolition by the state government. The official reason cited is his alleged involvement in cult-related activities, an accusation the lawmaker has firmly denied.
The property, located in the Iruekpen community of Esan West Local Government Area, was reportedly targeted following claims that a cultist gathering allegedly took place there. According to reports, the alleged meeting descended into violence, leading to injuries among several individuals in the area.
This incident follows a recent uptick in cult-related violence within Iruekpen and surrounding communities, prompting authorities to take measures aimed at curbing the trend. However, the targeting of Hon. Onobun’s home has raised concerns over the politicization of law enforcement and governance.
Speaking out on Sunday, June 9, 2025, Hon. Onobun vehemently refuted the allegations, describing them as “false, unfounded, and politically motivated.” He insisted that the violent clash being attributed to his residence actually occurred at a brothel within a local cattle market — a location far removed from his property.
“Let it be on record,” Onobun stated, “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.”
Despite his denial, government agents proceeded to mark his residence for demolition on Tuesday, igniting further backlash. Onobun responded to the development by challenging the legality of the action. According to him, there was neither a formal notification nor an investigative report or judicial pronouncement to justify such a drastic step.
“This move is not only illegal but deeply troubling,” the lawmaker said. “Nobody wrote me officially. No investigation and no court pronouncement. What we are witnessing in Edo State is a weaponization of the law — clearly targeted at members of the opposition.”
He further alleged that the demolition plan forms part of a larger pattern aimed at intimidating leaders within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Onobun cited similar actions taken against other party figures, including Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the PDP governorship campaign director-general, whose hotel was marked for demolition, and Chief Francis Inegbineki, another PDP stalwart whose residence faced similar treatment.
Political observers are divided on the unfolding situation. While some argue that the government must take firm action to combat cultism and insecurity in the state, others view the targeting of opposition figures’ properties as an abuse of power and a threat to democratic principles.
As of now, the Edo State Government has not released an official statement detailing the evidence behind the allegations or the legal basis for marking the property. With the controversy gaining momentum, citizens and political stakeholders alike await clarification and due process in a case that continues to blur the lines between governance, security, and political rivalry.
