PDP Chieftain Tackles IBEDC Over Erratic Power Supply, Disconnection Of Ataoja’s Palace
As a result of the poor electricity supply across Osogbo metropolis and its adjoining townships, the Ataoja-in-Council has held a meeting with the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
Speaking at the meeting, prominent Osogbo indigene, Muniru Raji, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the IBEDC officials to restore Osogbo’s power supply to normal or they would be denied access to their office.
Raji, a PDP stalwart and Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on Political Matters, bemoaned the recent drop of power supply to Osogbo to 5%, noting that it was tantamount to sabotaging the economy.
According to the video of the meeting obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, which was attended by chiefs, baales, and community heads, Raji warned IBDEC officials not to tamper with Osogbo’s power supply, maintaining that is the only means of livelihood people rely on.
He also cautioned the power officials against what he called an affront on the traditional stool by disconnecting the electric supply to the palace, saying, “What did you do for Osogbo that made you think you could collect an electricity fee from the palace? What was your contribution to Osogbo to warrant you disconnecting our palace light?
According to him: “Don’t try to tamper with Osogbo’s electricity because that is the only means of livelihood we rely on. When we gave you the land on which you built your office, I didn’t hear in history that our forefathers collected money from you (IBEDC).
“We actually wanted to have a peaceful discussion with you (IBEDC), not knowing you were sent here to destroy our light. Those of you (IBEDC officials) who are of Yoruba origin should exercise caution. Do not give us that cheap excuse that our power supply dropped to 5%. To us, it seems you intentionally want to destroy Osogbo’s economy.
“If the light situation is not back to normal within 24 hours, we won’t allow the IBEDC officials to open their offices. We have not seen any meaningful impact of the IBEDC; they cannot boast of buying any transformers for any community since they came around. Politicians and communities have been buying transformers, and after buying them, we would get them legalised and still pay money. We buy transformers, cables, poles, wires, and other materials ourselves, and you still have to pay for its connection and installation. You should fear the wrath of God, you’d still make us sign that we give the transformers to you, and with everything you refused to give us light.”
In his remarks, the head of the IBEDC Osogbo Unit said power supply can not be hoarded; rather, since the privatisation Of NEPA during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, electricity and is is been sold to them and they already have a pegged down target that must be made.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
