Residents protest as IBEDC denies community-funded transformer in Ogun

Community Protests Over Refusal to Connect Transformer

Residents of the Ireakari community in Ilisan Remo, located within the Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, took to the streets on Saturday to protest what they describe as the refusal of officials from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to connect their newly installed transformer to the national grid. This issue has led to years of power outages and economic hardship for the community.

The protesters carried placards with messages such as “Ireakari community is tired of pitch darkness,” “IBEDC, connect light to our transformer,” and “Gov Dapo Abiodun, call IBEDC to order.” They expressed frustration over the erratic power supply, which has significantly impacted business activities and increased insecurity in the area, leading to incidents of armed robbery and other crimes.

A Longstanding Struggle for Reliable Power

Speaking during the protest, Mr. Taiwo Idowu, the Secretary of the Ireakari Community Development Association, shared the community's story. He explained that in 2018, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu donated a transformer to the community. The community then invited IBEDC officials to inspect it, who confirmed it was fit for use. Following this, the residents raised funds to install the transformer, purchasing poles, cables, and all necessary materials. Over N11 million was spent, and the installation was completed in June.

However, when the community contacted IBEDC to connect the transformer to the grid, the company claimed it was a refurbished unit. This came as a shock, as the officials had previously approved the transformer for installation. Despite multiple letters sent to IBEDC offices in Sagamu and Ibadan, no action was taken.

Idowu highlighted that the community has endured power shortages for over eight years. After investing their hard-earned money to resolve the issue, IBEDC has become an obstacle once again. He appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, Hon. Jamiu Ashimi, for assistance, suggesting either providing another transformer or compelling IBEDC to connect the existing one.

Impact on Livelihoods and Businesses

Chief Adeyemo Sofola, the head of the community, lamented the long absence of electricity, which has crippled residents' livelihoods and hindered the socio-economic growth of the community. He also called on the governor and local government chairman to intervene, either by providing a new transformer or ensuring the connection of the existing one.

Mrs. Janet Oluwatoyin, a resident of the community, criticized the attitude of IBEDC officials and urged urgent government intervention. She stated that the over 3,000 residents of the community are not happy with the situation. She emphasized that businesses have suffered despite the community’s investment in the transformer, and she called on Governor Abiodun to help them escape the darkness.

The Chief Imam of Ilisan Remo, Alhaji Aderemi, also addressed the protesters, appealing to both the governor and the council chairman to restore stable electricity. He noted that many businesses had collapsed due to the power challenges.

Calls for Immediate Action

Otunba Wemmy Osude, the Chairman of the Ilisan Development Association, faulted IBEDC’s handling of the situation, calling it insensitive to the plight of the residents. He urged the company to act swiftly to meet the community’s demand and called on the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun and the Ikenne Local Government under Hon. Jamiu Ashimi to come to the rescue of the people.

However, the Public Relations Officer of IBEDC, Ogun Region, Mr. Yomi Bada, refuted the community’s claims, stating that the company was not contacted until after the transformer had already been installed. He explained that when the technical crew inspected the transformer, they discovered it was a refurbished unit, not compatible with the network. Such units cannot be certified because they are substandard.

Bada added that he would contact the regional head of the distribution company to explore possible ways to assist the community.