Residents of 11 communities in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, have condemned what they described as persistent and unfair electricity supply in their areas, urging authorities to urgently address the worsening situation.
The communities made the appeal during a gathering at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, where residents expressed frustration over prolonged power outages that they say are crippling businesses and deepening economic hardship.
Last week, residents staged a protest and issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), warning that failure to improve electricity supply could lead to further collective action, including restricting operational access for the company’s personnel in the affected communities.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Dr. Mohammed Basheer said the situation had not improved during the ultimatum period, noting that the communities received less than nine hours of electricity in seven days.
Basheer also criticised IBEDC for reportedly petitioning the Department of State Services (DSS) over the earlier protest, alleging that the company falsely claimed the demonstration was not peaceful.
“Demanding electricity for our homes, institutions and businesses is not a crime. The United Communities will not be intimidated,” he said.
He described it as ironic that communities hosting critical national electricity infrastructure continue to experience severe power shortages.
“Our communities host major national infrastructure responsible for transmitting electricity across Nigeria.
It is therefore deeply ironic and unacceptable that communities hosting critical power infrastructure remain trapped in darkness,” Basheer said.
He added that several key institutions in the area depend on stable electricity, including Osun State University, the Nigerian Air Force Research Institute, the Nigerian Army Training Depot, and the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation.
Basheer further alleged that the distribution company prioritises electricity supply to customers under the high-tariff Band A category, where revenue generation is higher, leaving other areas with minimal power.
He urged the federal government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to urgently address challenges in Nigeria’s power sector.
“The power sector was a key campaign issue. The federal government must take this matter seriously because it directly affects the livelihoods of Nigerians,” he said.
Also speaking, the Babakekere of Osogbo Land and Chief-of-Staff to the Ataoja, Chief Suleiman Olanipekun, warned that the communities were prepared to seek legal redress if the situation persists.
“Our lawyer has been briefed, and the management of IBEDC will be notified shortly if the problem continues,” he said.
The communities also called on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to investigate the situation and ensure that electricity distribution in Osogbo complies with national regulatory standards.
They urged IBEDC to engage with community leaders in good faith and take concrete steps to restore fair and stable electricity supply across the metropolis.