, A former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Francis Okiye, has debunked claims that he belongs to a cult group, warning political detractors to desist from a smear campaign meant to tarnish his image.

Okiye, in a statement on Friday made available to journalists in Benin, expressed worry over a viral social media report allegedly sponsored by his political opponents against him ahead of the Edo 2024 governorship election.

The former Speaker of the Peoples Democratic Party said the video on Youtube and other social media handles, where he was alleged to be a member of a cult group sponsoring killings in the state, was embarrassing and a lie from the pit of hell.

I am not a cultist – Ex-Edo Speaker, Okiye.

The statement reads, “To say such claim is embarrassing and lies from the pit of hell will be an understatement.

“The trending report is false, vicious and a malicious statement targeted at damaging my personality and my 2024 governorship ambition.

TRENDING:

“I have occupied public office since 2003 as a member of the Edo State House of Assembly, becoming a one-time majority Leader, later Deputy Chief of Staff, the Governor Liaison to the Edo State House of Assembly and then the Speaker. Throughout this period, I was never associated with any cult group. “Okiye said.

Okiye warned those behind the defamatory publication to immediately retract it within seven days or face the consequences of the law.