BENIN CITY, EDO — Governor Monday Okpebholo is facing a wave of criticism from residents of Benin City following allegations that his administration selectively installed streetlights to illuminate the venue of a family burial ceremony while the rest of the street remains in darkness.
The controversy erupted on Sunday, May 10, after videos surfaced online showing newly installed solar streetlights concentrated specifically around the area hosting the Governor’s family event.
“Just Enough for a Burial”
Witnesses and residents who spoke on the matter expressed frustration over what they described as the “privatisation of public infrastructure.” According to social media reports, only four streetlights were mounted on the entire stretch of the road—positioned precisely to provide lighting for the funeral rites.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo lights up only four streetlights in a street in Benin City. Just enough to light up a burial ceremony,” one resident lamented online. “Coincidentally, the burial ceremony is for his family member.”
The move has been described as a “slap in the face” to many Benin residents who have been pleading for the restoration of streetlights across major hubs in the state capital to curb rising nighttime insecurity.
Infrastructure Gaps and Insecurity
The incident has reignited the debate over the Governor’s commitment to urban renewal. Since taking office, Okpebholo has faced pressure to fix the “perpetual darkness” that plagues major arteries like Siluko Road and the Lagos Road axis.
Critics have been quick to revisit the Governor’s infamous campaign gaffe where he mistakenly promised to “provide insecurity,” using the slip-of-the-tongue to mock the current lack of functional public lighting which many believe aids criminal activities.
“It is heartbreaking that the only time we see the government moving fast to install lights is when it benefits the Governor’s personal itinerary,” said a local community leader who asked not to be named. “Public funds should serve the public, not just the Governor’s kin.”
Defending the Administration
While the Governor’s media team has not issued a specific rebuttal to the burial site allegations, supporters of the administration have previously argued that the Governor is working on a phased approach to the state’s lighting challenges. They point to recent protests led by the Governor against the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) as evidence of his desire to fix the power crisis.
However, for the residents of the now “partially lit” street in Benin, the sight of four solitary lamps serving a single compound has become a symbol of administrative lopsidedness.
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