Ogun Residents Protest As IBEDC Rejects Community-Funded Transformer
Residents of Ireakari community in Ilisan Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, staged a protest on Saturday over the refusal of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to connect a transformer funded by the community to the national grid.
The protesters carried placards with messages including “Ireakari community is tired of pitch darkness,” “IBEDC, connect light to our transformer,” and “Gov Dapo Abiodun, call IBEDC to order.”
They decried frequent blackouts and erratic power supply, which they said had crippled businesses and worsened insecurity in the area.
Mr. Taiwo Idowu, Secretary of the Ireakari Community Development Association, said the community had been battling poor electricity for over eight years.
He explained that a transformer donated by Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu in 2018 was inspected and approved by IBEDC, prompting residents to raise over N11 million for its installation.
“We bought poles, cables, and everything required. When the installation was completed in June, we contacted IBEDC to connect the transformer to the grid. To our shock, they said it was refurbished,” Idowu said.
He added that repeated letters to IBEDC offices in Sagamu and Ibadan had gone unanswered.
“Our losses over the years are unquantifiable. We appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun and Ikenne Local Government Chairman Hon. Jamiu Ashimi to come to our aid,” he said.
Chief Adeyemo Sofola, head of the community, said the prolonged absence of electricity had hampered livelihoods and socio-economic growth. Mrs. Janet Oluwatoyin, a resident, called for urgent government intervention, noting that businesses had suffered despite the community’s contribution of over N11 million.
The Chief Imam of Ilisan Remo, Alhaji Aderemi, urged both the governor and the council chairman, an indigene, to restore electricity.
Otunba Wemmy Osude, Chairman of Ilisan Development Association, faulted IBEDC’s handling of the matter, describing it as insensitive to the community’s plight.
IBEDC’s Ogun Region Public Relations Officer, Mr. Yomi Bada, refuted the claims, stating the company was only contacted after the transformer had been installed. He said inspection revealed it was a refurbished unit not compatible with their network.
Bada added that he would consult the regional head to explore ways to assist the community.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
