Edo Governor Okpebholo Joins Protest Over Power Issues

Edo State Governor Mondai Okpebholo, who assumed office in 2024, has become the subject of public ridicule following his participation in a protest in Benin City on Monday. The protest was organized to address ongoing power outages and alleged arbitrary billing practices by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

Residents expressed their frustrations over the prolonged blackouts and rising costs associated with prepaid meters. Okpebholo declared solidarity with the protesters, emphasizing the need for solutions to the electricity challenges affecting all segments of Edo society.

He clarified that BEDC is a privately owned electricity distribution company and not directly controlled by the Edo State government. Okpebholo also mentioned that he was unaware of the state's power issues upon taking office and noted that President Bola Tinubu had recently assented to an electricity bill that authorizes states to manage electricity distribution.

The governor's involvement in the protest has led to criticisms regarding his administration's effectiveness in addressing the power supply issues.