The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has denied allegations of cultism levelled against him, saying he has never been a member of any cult group.

Idahosa issued a statement in response to a viral video shared by one Emmanuel Agbogun, who alleged that he and other notable figures from Edo State were involved in different cult factions.

The Edo State Deputy Governor in a statement he personally signed on Friday, debunked claims associating him with any clandestine cult organisation, calling the accusation untrue, damaging to his character, and designed to tarnish his image.

“My attention has been drawn to a video circulating on social media, in which one Emmanuel Agbogun falsely accused me, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Dennis Idahosa, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, of being a member of a secret cult,” the statement read.

“In the said publication, 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. They are a deliberate attempt to tarnish my hard-earned reputation and to undermine my unwavering dedication to public service.”

According to Idahosa, the claims were not only false but also an attempt to distract from the current administration’s fight against cultism in the state.

“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 with 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,” he said.

The deputy governor also described the publication as a direct attack on his character and vowed to seek legal redress.

“Let me again reiterate that I consider this publication not only slanderous but also a direct attack on my character,” he said.

“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.”