Okpebholo joins Edo Youths in protest over blackouts, billing disputes

By Jethro Ibileke

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday joined youths and residents protesting persistent power outages and billing concerns linked to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

The demonstrators had assembled at Ring Road in Benin City, carrying banners with inscriptions such as “We say no to BEDC oppression,” “No light, no bill,” and “Edo people say no to bulk billing.”

They complained about prolonged blackouts, estimated billing practices, and what they described as the high cost of prepaid meters.

Governor Okpebholo, who was reportedly passing by, stopped to address the gathering and expressed solidarity with the protesters.

“I was just passing by and saw people gathered here at Ring Road. I stopped to find out what the issue was, and they said you were protesting. I said, yes, we are all youths, and I have come to join you,” he told the crowd.

The governor acknowledged that electricity challenges affect residents across the state, from rural communities to urban centres, and urged demonstrators to remain calm while the government engages relevant stakeholders.

“When we talk about short-changing Edo people, it affects all of us, our parents in the villages, our brothers and sisters in the cities, and everyone standing here. Why should anyone frustrate Edo people?” he asked.

Okpebholo clarified that BEDC is privately owned and not directly controlled by the state government, but assured that steps would be taken to address the issues raised.

He proposed opening up the electricity distribution space to new investors as a way of breaking what he described as a monopoly.

“The only way we can fight this is to bring new investors into the business of distribution. We will break the monopoly. We want to operate like the telecom sector where you have alternatives. Bringing in more investors will give our people options,” he said.

The governor announced that a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened on Tuesday and requested that the protesters nominate five representatives to participate in discussions.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade Ogbidi Emmanuel said residents across Edo State were compelled to protest what he termed oppressive practices by the distribution company.

He questioned the transparency of BEDC’s free meter distribution scheme and challenged the company to publish the names of beneficiaries.

“We pay for light and they give us darkness,” Ogbidi said, adding that prepaid meters reportedly cost between ₦150,000 and ₦400,000.

The protest remained peaceful, with security personnel present to maintain order. Demonstrators dispersed after the governor’s address.

As of press time, BEDC had not issued an official response to the allegations.