Monday Okpebholo says he battled principalities and powers on his way to becoming governor of Edo.
Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner of the September 21 governorship election.
He polled 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who garnered 247,274 votes.
Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came third with 22,763 votes.
Okpebholo took his oath of office on Tuesday in Benin City.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Fred Itua, his chief press secretary, Okpebholo attributed his electoral conquest to the grace of God, constant prayers, and the support of the people.
The governor spoke at his post-swearing-in thanksgiving service in Benin.
Okpebholo said he “found a dead bat on his bed” hours before the electoral umpire called the election for him — without “prior spiritual consultations or help from native doctors”.
