{
  "id": 10660311,
  "title": "‘I started ‘casting out demons at 17’ – Gov Okpebholo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/i-started-casting-out-demons-at-17-gov-okpebholo",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-29T09:18:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/29/i-started-casting-out-demons-at-17-gov-okpebholo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "During a church service at The Votage Church, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo shared his early involvement in spiritual activities, revealing that he began \"casting out demons\" around the age of 17. Reflecting on his youth and the spiritual battles he faced, the governor addressed young worshippers, noting that their presence in church reminded him of his teenage experiences. Okpebholo emphasized that his personal experiences had given him a unique understanding of the challenges confronting youths, particularly concerning insecurity and cult-related activities. He underscored that combating insecurity, especially in the context of cultism, was a familiar issue to him. The governor also touched upon the impact of the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa on his spiritual background. Following the service, The Votage Church expressed its honor in hosting Governor Okpebholo and called for prayers for the peace, progress, and prosperity of Edo State. A statement issued by the church highlighted the importance of leaders seeking spiritual guidance and encouraged ongoing efforts towards peace and development across the state.",
  "summary": "Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has recounted his early involvement in spiritual activities, claiming he began “casting out demons” when he was about 17 years old. Okpebholo made the disclosure during a church service at The Votage Church, where he reflected on his youth and experiences dealing with what he described as spiritual battles and cultism. Addressing […] ‘I started ‘casting out…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "VIDEO: I started casting out demons at 17 – Okpebholo",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/video-i-started-casting-out-demons-at-17-okpebholo",
        "published": "2026-09-29T10:32:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}