'A day after the election, I met a dead bat on my bed' - Okpebholo Recalls Edo Governorship Election Victory

Okpebholo Reminisces on Election Win After Chance Encounter

During a post-swearing-in thanksgiving service held in Benin, Okpebholo credited his electoral victory to the grace of God...

Okpebholo, a politician, recounts his experience claiming victory in the Edo governorship election, sharing a surprising and unforgettable encounter that occurred a day after the polls.

Monday Okpebholo, the newly elected governor of Edo State, has opened up about the spiritual challenges he faced on his path to victory. Describing his journey as a battle against principalities and powers, Okpebholo revealed that he relied on his faith to overcome these obstacles.

He was declared the winner of the September 21 governorship election with 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who received 247,274 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) secured third place with 22,763 votes. Okpebholo took his oath of office on Tuesday, November 12, in Benin City.

During a post-swearing-in thanksgiving service held in Benin, Okpebholo credited his electoral victory to the grace of God, unwavering prayers, and the support of the people. His Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, released a statement on Thursday, November 14, highlighting the governor's remarks.

In a remarkable incident, Okpebholo shared that he found a dead bat on his bed just hours before the election results were announced in his favour. He believes this omen played a significant role in his victory, especially since he hadn't sought spiritual consultations or assistance from traditional healers beforehand.

Points about Monday Okpebholo:

Early Life and Education: Born on August 10, 1970, in Udomi-Uwessan community of Irrua, Okpebholo began his education at Udomi Community Primary School and Ujabhole Community Secondary School.

Career: He obtained a degree in Business Administration from the University of Abuja and holds a Master's degree in Policy and Leadership Studies from the same institution.

Philanthropy: Okpebholo is recognized for his charitable work through the Monday Okpebholo Foundation, which offers scholarships, healthcare services, and vocational training to underprivileged communities.

“I want to thank God. In this last election, while I was praising God, the traducers were busy operating from television,” he said.

“They were busy operating from social media. They were busy operating from other television stations.

“But, I took the battle to God because I knew the secret. A few days to the election, they said I was crazy. We gathered to praise God in this State.

“They said, 'What is he doing?' They were there on TV. But, I was listening to the voice of God. I won the battle.

“After the election on Sunday morning, I came to my room. I met a bat had died on my bed, without me shooting any arrow.

“But, the spirit of God was there. The arrow of God. The hand of God delivered me.

“I am grateful to the men of God that stood in the gap. I am grateful to those who believed that with God, all things are possible.

“And I will give you one advice - trust in God alone because he will do it for you.”