SAGAMU RESIDENTS CRY OUT OVER PROLONGED ELECTRICITY CRISIS, APPEAL TO AKARIGBO, GOVERNMENT AND IBEDC FOR URGENT INTERVENTION

SAGAMU RESIDENTS CRY OUT OVER PROLONGED ELECTRICITY CRISIS, APPEAL TO AKARIGBO, GOVERNMENT AND IBEDC FOR URGENT INTERVENTION

Residents, business owners and other electricity consumers in Sagamu, Ogun State, have appealed to traditional rulers, government officials, political representatives and the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to urgently address the prolonged electricity crisis affecting the community.

In an open letter written by Mr. Runsewe Oluwaseun, a concerned son of Sagamu, the residents expressed deep frustration over months of poor and unreliable electricity supply, describing the situation as a serious threat to livelihoods, businesses, education and the general well-being of the people.

The letter, titled “Our Lives Matter! Sagamu Matters! Our Businesses Matter!”, highlighted the growing hardship faced by households, traders, artisans, students, healthcare facilities and small business owners who depend on electricity for their daily activities.

According to the appeal, residents are increasingly burdened by the cost of alternative power sources, including generators, fuel and solar installations, while also expressing concerns about paying electricity bills and recharging prepaid meters despite inadequate power supply.

The situation, the letter noted, has affected businesses dealing in perishable goods, increased operating expenses for small-scale enterprises and made ordinary household activities, such as pumping water and charging mobile phones, more difficult.

The appeal also raised concerns over the reported supply of electricity to certain industrial areas during the day, while residential communities continue to experience inadequate supply. The residents therefore called for a fairer distribution of available electricity, particularly during evening hours when families and businesses need power most.

Among those called upon to intervene are His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo of Remoland; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Executive Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Hon. Olasile Odulate; Hon. Princess Adesola Ayoola Elegbeji; Hon. Adeniran Ademola Adeyinka (Sapele); Hon. Bello Mohammed Oluwadamilare; and Comrade Olugbenga Isiaka Lawal of the Sagamu Youth Association.

The letter also specifically appealed to the Managing Director of IBEDC, Mr. Deolu Ijose, and the Business Hub Manager of IBEDC Sagamu, Mr. Olusegun Ebinowen, to address the concerns of electricity consumers and provide a lasting solution.

KEY DEMANDS FROM SAGAMU RESIDENTS

The concerned residents outlined six major requests, including:

1. Urgent intervention: Traditional rulers and political representatives should engage IBEDC management to resolve the electricity crisis.

2. Public explanation: IBEDC should provide a clear explanation for the prolonged poor electricity supply.

3. Reliable electricity timetable: A transparent and realistic supply schedule should be made available to residents.

4. Fair billing: A review of estimated bills and disputed charges, particularly where consumers believe they have not received the corresponding service.

5. Attention to residential areas: Residential communities should enjoy reasonable electricity supply, especially during evening hours.

6. Stakeholders’ meeting: An urgent meeting should be convened involving IBEDC, traditional rulers, government representatives, youth leaders, community stakeholders and affected residents.

The writer further stressed that the appeal was not intended to create unnecessary tension but to encourage dialogue, accountability and responsible leadership before the growing frustration among residents escalates.

He called on the community’s traditional institutions, political officeholders and youth organisations to use their respective positions to ensure that the concerns of the people receive the urgent attention they deserve.

A CALL FOR ACTION

Reaffirming their commitment to Sagamu, the residents maintained that they are not demanding special privileges but simply seeking fair treatment and access to a basic public utility for which they pay.

The open letter concluded with a strong message to all stakeholders:

“OUR LIVES MATTER! OUR BUSINESSES MATTER! OUR CHILDREN MATTER! OUR COMMUNITY MATTERS! SAGAMU MATTERS!”

The residents expressed hope that the relevant authorities would respond promptly, engage affected communities and implement practical measures to restore reliable electricity supply across Sagamu.

As the appeal reaches the relevant authorities, residents will be looking forward to concrete action and a lasting solution to the electricity challenges confronting the community.