The Obi of Owa Kingdom and the Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council, Delta State, His Royal Majesty Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II (JP) OON, has called on Ika residents to take Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to court over the inhuman treatment on the residents by the power distribution company. SEE:NO LIGHT NO PAYMENT, IKA LANDLORDS/LANDLADIES TO BEDC
The Owa monarch made this call while addressing members of Ika Landlords and Landladies Association during a courtesy call paid him by members of the association at his palace in Owa- Oyibu Ika North East L.G.A, on Thursday, September 5, 2019.
His Majesty described the activities of Benin Electricity Distribution Company as oppressive insensitive, irresponsible and callous but said the best line of action is for the people to sue the distribution company, maintaining that violence is not the solution to the problem
The Delta State Traditional Council Chairman revealed that he spends over four hundred thousand naira monthly to generate electricity in the palace while lamenting that all his efforts to ensure there is step-down in Ika Land for Ika people to have regular power supply has come to nothing as Benin Electricity Distribution Company’s services get worse on daily basis.
The Royal Father pointed out that nobody would claim that the cause the association is fighting has nothing to do with him or her as everyone is confronted by the problems posed, due to the poor services of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company
Speaking also during the visit, the Chairman, Ika Landlord/Landladies Association, Mr. Vincent Arimokwu, congratulated the monarch on his 60th coronation anniversary scheduled to hold September 6 2019, while he briefed His Majesty on the progress and challenges of the association, since the fight against BEDC to ensure the company improves on her services to Ika people.
Mr. Arimokwu stated that after so many meetings with the management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company and a peaceful protest 2 years ago, the organization has refused to improve on the services rendered to Ika people even with the present step-down in Ika.
Mr. Arimokwu added that before the step-down, efforts were put in by stake holders with the belief that once there is a step-down in the land, the issue of epileptic power supply would be a thing of the past but noted that matters are worse now than before.