I am not, and have never been, a member of any secret cult. I will not treat it lightly and will pursue all legal avenues to ensure that such defamation is addressed within the full extent of the law.
The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has strongly denied allegations of being a member of a secret cult group. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Friday Aghedo, Idahosa described the allegations as malicious, defamatory, and unfounded.
According to Idahosa, his attention was drawn to a circulating video on social media where one Emmanuel Agbogun falsely accused him of being a member of a secret cult. The deputy governor expressed his disappointment and frustration over the baseless allegations.
Recall that the Edo State government has recently launched a crackdown on cult groups in the state, demolishing their bases and arresting suspected members. This development has likely created a tense atmosphere, making the allegations against Idahosa even more egregious.
Idahosa has threatened to institute legal action against Emmanuel Agbogun for defaming his character. The deputy governor is determined to protect his reputation and clear his name of the false allegations.
The Edo State Deputy Governor’s denial of secret cult allegations is a strong rebuke of the baseless claims made against him. Idahosa’s determination to take legal action against his accuser sends a clear message that he will not tolerate such malicious attacks on his character.
The statement read, “In the said publication, Mr. Agbogun mentioned my name and those of other notable citizens of Edo State, alleging that we are members of various cult groups in the state.
“I categorically state that these accusations are spurious, defamatory, malicious, unfounded, and grossly misleading.
“These allegations also seek to distract this administration’s ongoing efforts to combat cultism and restore peace and order in Edo State. The claim that I am affiliated to any secret cult group is entirely false and baseless.
“I vehemently deny any involvement, both past or present in cult-related activities. As a public servant and the current deputy governor of Edo State, I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in serving the good people of Edo State and Nigeria at large.
“Let me again reiterate that I consider this publication not only slanderous but also a direct attack on my character. I will not treat it lightly and will pursue all legal avenues to ensure that such defamation is addressed within the full extent of the law.
“This administration remains firmly committed to its zero-tolerance policy on cultism and other societal vices. Cult-related activities are a menace to our communities and the development of our dear state, and we will continue to work tirelessly to root them out.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I am not, and have never been, a member of any secret cult. I am a Christian and a steadfast believer in the teachings of Jesus Christ”.