Electricity consumers under the Igbaja Service Station in Ifelodun Local Government Area have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over a prolonged power outage that has left 68 communities in darkness since December 26, 2024.
During a stakeholder meeting held in Igbaja yesterday, community representatives voiced their grievances, describing the situation as “totally unacceptable.” The meeting provided a platform for residents to express their frustrations directly to IBEDC officials.
Hon. Tajudeen Ajiboye, who chaired the meeting, criticized IBEDC for neglecting the efforts made by the community to support electricity supply. He highlighted instances where residents repaired and replaced damaged materials without seeking reimbursement from the company.
Mr. Kayode Adigun, Chairman of the Home Branch of the Igbaja Progressive Union, recounted how the community spent millions of Naira clearing vegetation along the Idofian-Igbaja route to improve electricity supply. He lamented that these efforts have not been reciprocated by the electricity company.
Elder Olaitan Oyin Zubair, a veteran journalist and Coordinator for Community-Based Organizations in Ifelodun LGA, provided historical context. He traced the community’s self-help efforts in 1986 to connect Igbaja to the national grid, a 16-kilometer project from Idofian. Since then, 68 communities across Ifelodun and Irepodun LGAs have benefited from the Igbaja Service Station.
Elder Zubair criticized IBEDC for consistently shifting the burden of repairs onto consumers, despite residents fully paying for services. He called for better service delivery from the electricity company.
The meeting concluded with a resolution to appeal to IBEDC for improved services, including the replacement of damaged transformers and adequate staffing.
Governor Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq was commended for his proactive efforts to address the issue through the Ministry of Energy, whose officials attended the meeting.
In response to the ongoing challenges, the Igbaja Electricity Consumers Protection Association was formalized, with a seven-member executive committee elected to oversee its operations. Hon. Tajudeen Ajiboye was named Chairman, with Prince Kolade Opekun as Secretary, and other members including Alhaja Kudirat Omodara, Mr. Samuel Bello, Mallam Tiamiyu, and Alhaji Ahmed Olaitan.