Akungba Residents Protest Poor Power Supply

In the early hours of Monday, 1 May 2023, the residents of the Akungba community in Ondo state took to the streets to protest the epileptic power supply in the area.

The protesters alleged that the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) failed to supply electricity to the community despite the payments made by residents.

The peaceful protest, which started from the Adekunle Ajasin University’s main gate, proceeded to the Police Station, and the protesters later visited the King’s palace.

Adebowale Dayo, an indigene of the community, accused BEDC of mismanagement. He claimed that they were taking advantage of the community.

He further alleged the company charged exorbitant electricity fees without supplying power. He expressed disappointment that such a thing could happen in a university environment.

“Enough is enough, no light, no payment”, Mr Dayo said. 

Another protester, Tunde Adetunji, suggested that pre-paid metres would be a better solution to the problem. 

He said that community members would pay for the electricity they consume, which would help reduce the burden on the community.

Clement Opeyemi, the protest leader, accused the company of cheating the community for years. 

He said the protest aimed to warn the company to change its ways. He demanded that the BEDC provide pre-paid metres to the community. He also noted that BEDC has been providing electricity for just two days per month.

He further warned that not meeting these conditions would result in an unfavourable situation.

The protesters had a meeting with the Akungba Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Shakiru Ajibola, who appreciated their peaceful protest. He promised to call a meeting with the BEDC on Tuesday, 2 May, to address their grievances.

After the meeting, the DPO assured the protesters that he would investigate the issue.

The Alale of Akungba, Oba Sunday Isaac Adeyeye Ajimo, expressed his appreciation to the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully during the demonstration. 

The King promised to take action in response to the concerns raised by the protesters and also announced that he would invite the chairman of the Akungba BEDC to the palace to discuss the matter further. 

He urged the protesters to gather at the palace the next day by 4 pm to voice their concerns directly to the BEDC chairman.

This development comes as a glimmer of hope for the protesters, who have been calling for improved electricity supply in their community.

The Akungba community has expressed their determination to continue the protest until their demands are met. They called on the government to intervene and ensure that the power distribution company provides them with an adequate power supply.