Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State recently shared a startling experience he faced just before winning the September 21 governorship election.
Speaking during a post-swearing-in thanksgiving service at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Wednesday night, Okpebholo described how he found a dead bat on his bed mere hours before being declared the winner. He attributed his triumph to divine intervention, emphasizing his reliance on God throughout the election period.
Reflecting on the unusual incident, Governor Okpebholo stated, “I want to thank God. In this last election, while I was praising God, they [my opponents] were busy operating from Arise. They were busy operating from Facebook. They were busy operating from Channels. But I took the battle to God because I know the secret.”
Okpebholo explained that his opponents focused on various media strategies, while he turned to prayer and faith. “A few days to the election, they said this guy [Okpebholo] is crazy. We gathered to praise God in this state. They said, ‘What is he doing?’ They were there at Arise. But, I was listening to the voice of God. I won the battle,” he recounted.
His faith was further tested the morning after the election, when he discovered a dead bat on his bed. “On Sunday morning, I came to my room. I found 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,” Okpebholo said, attributing his safety and success to divine intervention.
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The newly-elected governor expressed deep gratitude to religious leaders and supporters who stood by him during the challenging period. “I am grateful to the men of God that stood in the gap. I am grateful to those that believe 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,” he said, encouraging the audience to place their faith in God.
Okpebholo also made it clear that he did not seek assistance from native doctors, prophets, or visit any shrine during his campaign. “Throughout the period of my electioneering, I did not consult any native doctor or diviner. I relied on God alone,” he affirmed.
The thanksgiving service attracted a significant number of attendees, including prominent politicians, musicians, and clergy members, all of whom came together to celebrate the governor’s victory and the faith that carried him through.