Edo State has a long and bloody history of cult-related violence, but the newly signed Secret Cult and Similar Activities Prohibition Bill, 2025 aims to change that. Governor Monday Okpebholo has officially signed the bill into law, repealing the 2018 Secret Cult Prohibition Law and introducing harsher penalties for cult-related crimes. While some hail this as a step in the right direction, others wonder if the state has the political will to enforce it.
According to Fred Itua, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, the new law took effect on January 24, 2025, and comes with strict consequences for anyone involved in cultism, sponsorship, or harboring cultists. Those who kill in furtherance of cult activities now face the death penalty, while anyone who financially or materially supports cultism risks 21 years in prison. Property owners who allow cult activities on their premises will not only face 10 years behind bars but will also have their property demolished.
A Law Long Overdue in Edo’s Crime-Ridden Landscape
Let’s not pretend, Edo State is a hub for crime. From Yahoo Yahoo boys with their fraudulent “academies” to deeply entrenched cult groups, criminal activities thrive in the state. This law is coming decades late.
For years, successive governments in Edo have “banned” cultism. Yet, young men (and women) continue to join these groups, caused by a dangerous mix of unemployment, peer pressure, and political manipulation. Cultism is no longer just a university problem—it has infiltrated secondary schools, motor parks, and even state politics. This means that unless the government is ready to go beyond signing laws on paper, this will just be another legal document with no real impact.
Fred Itua insists the government means business this time:
“These measures are not intended to intimidate law-abiding citizens but rather to serve as a strong deterrent to those who have chosen to endanger the peace and security of Edo State.”
Can Governor Okpebholo Deliver on His Promise?
Edo’s cult problem is as old as the state itself. The real issue isn’t about having laws—it’s about enforcement. Will Governor Okpebholo actually implement this law, or will it go the way of past anti-cultism measures?
The truth is, cultists don’t just operate in isolation. They have political backers, law enforcement allies, and a deeply entrenched recruitment system that feeds off Edo’s failing economy. If the government is serious, it will need to:
- Crack down on cult recruitment centers, especially in universities and secondary schools.
- Investigate the politicians and businessmen who sponsor these groups.
- Ensure police and security agencies are not complicit in cult activities.
Edo State is tired. The people are exhausted. They have seen young men killed over petty cult rivalries, innocent students caught in the crossfire, and entire communities living in fear. This state needs real reform, not just another law signed with media fanfare.
