Inside Edo
Ayogwiri, Ikabigbo, Ugbenor, Irekpai communities cry out over seven months of blackout, Slams Edo APC chair, assembly rep
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
05 Nov 2025 07:49 AM
Ayogwiri, Edo – The agrarian villages of Ikabigbo, Ugbenor, Irekpai, and Ayogwiri in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, have endured seven months of total blackout since early April 2025.
The cause: a failed 2.5 KVA step-down transformer on Apana Road in Ayogwiri, left unrepaired despite repeated appeals.
Residents blame political neglect, directing anger at Edo APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe, a native of Ikabigbo and Hon. Gani Akokhia, the Assembly member for Etsako West II Constituency.
"They campaigned on promises of progress, including electricity, but have done nothing while we suffer," said an Ugbenor elder at a recent community meeting.
"They live comfortably in Benin and Abuja; we can't even charge our phone.", he added
Tenebe, with his statewide influence, has reportedly prioritized APC internal conflicts over local needs.
"His chairmanship means little if his own people remain in darkness," an anonymous youth leader remarked.
Akokhia, meant to represent these villages in the state Assembly, has offered no action on the issue despite prior public statements on infrastructure like roads in 2023 with federal colleague Hon. Anamero Dekeri.
A farmer in Ayogwiri told Daily South Nigeria: "If he can't address a single transformer, he should step aside or at least visit us."
The communities now appeal directly to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), and Rep. Anamero Dekeri for immediate intervention.
Residents demand swift repairs, accountability, and results, or consequences at the polls.
The cause: a failed 2.5 KVA step-down transformer on Apana Road in Ayogwiri, left unrepaired despite repeated appeals.
Residents blame political neglect, directing anger at Edo APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe, a native of Ikabigbo and Hon. Gani Akokhia, the Assembly member for Etsako West II Constituency.
"They campaigned on promises of progress, including electricity, but have done nothing while we suffer," said an Ugbenor elder at a recent community meeting.
"They live comfortably in Benin and Abuja; we can't even charge our phone.", he added
Tenebe, with his statewide influence, has reportedly prioritized APC internal conflicts over local needs.
"His chairmanship means little if his own people remain in darkness," an anonymous youth leader remarked.
Akokhia, meant to represent these villages in the state Assembly, has offered no action on the issue despite prior public statements on infrastructure like roads in 2023 with federal colleague Hon. Anamero Dekeri.
A farmer in Ayogwiri told Daily South Nigeria: "If he can't address a single transformer, he should step aside or at least visit us."
The communities now appeal directly to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), and Rep. Anamero Dekeri for immediate intervention.
Residents demand swift repairs, accountability, and results, or consequences at the polls.
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