Sagamu Electricity Crisis: IBEDC Assures Improved Power Supply After Youths Issue 48-Hour Ultimatum

Save Our Nation SON

February 25, 2025

Residents of Sagamu Local Government have continued to lament the persistent epileptic power supply in the area, with frustration reaching its peak as the Sagamu Youth Association (SYA) under the leadership of Comrade Olugbenga Isiaka Lawal (Ambassador Easy) issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to restore a reasonable supply of electricity. The youth body, in a press statement, strongly condemned IBEDC’s inefficiency, warning that failure to address the power situation within the stipulated timeframe would lead to mass protests and other necessary actions.

In response to the ultimatum, the Sagamu Area Commander, ACP Alabi S. Akinjide (PSC), intervened by summoning an emergency meeting between IBEDC Sagamu Branch management and the leadership of the Sagamu Youth Association. The meeting, held at the Area Command office, was aimed at finding an immediate and lasting solution to the worsening electricity crisis in Sagamu.

During the meeting, IBEDC’s Sagamu Business Manager, Femi Akinkurolere, admitted that he inherited an unstable electricity situation upon his resumption and acknowledged the growing dissatisfaction among residents. He assured that efforts were being made to stabilize electricity distribution in the area. While addressing concerns raised by the youth representatives, he explained how power is distributed between the 11kVA and 33kVA lines, stating that the transmission line from Ayede, which supplies power to Sagamu, is outdated and weak. However, he noted that the Federal Government is aware of the issue and that work has been ongoing to upgrade the infrastructure.

The Sagamu Youth Association, however, was not convinced by IBEDC’s explanations, pointing out that similar excuses had been given in previous engagements with the company, yet the power situation had continued to deteriorate. In past press statements, SYA had repeatedly criticized IBEDC for failing to meet the expectations of Sagamu residents, accusing the company of exploiting customers through excessive billing despite poor service delivery. The youth body also recalled previous commitments made by IBEDC to improve power supply, none of which had been fulfilled.

One of the past statements from SYA had highlighted how businesses in Sagamu were suffering due to the unreliable electricity supply, with many small-scale entrepreneurs forced to rely on expensive alternative power sources. The statement also noted that some areas in Sagamu had been subjected to weeks of total blackout without proper explanations from IBEDC. In another instance, the youth group condemned the company for failing to communicate transparently with residents, often leaving them in the dark about load-shedding schedules and repair works.

At the recent meeting, ACP Akinjide urged IBEDC to restore stable electricity within a reasonable timeframe and to ensure constant engagement with the youth and other community stakeholders to prevent further tension. He emphasized that Sagamu residents deserved better service and that IBEDC must take immediate steps to address their concerns. The Area Commander also advised the company to improve its customer relations by providing timely updates whenever there were issues affecting power distribution.

Although IBEDC did not provide a specific deadline for when Sagamu residents would begin to experience an improvement, the management assured that there would be a reasonable supply of electricity going forward. They also promised to work closely with community representatives to ensure better communication regarding power issues.

Despite these assurances, the Sagamu Youth Association remains on high alert, stating that they will closely monitor IBEDC’s actions in the coming days. The youth leaders have vowed not to relent in prioritizing the needs and demands of the people they're representing especially when the residents are fulfilling their own part of business transactional deals. Residents of Sagamu, who have endured years of erratic power supply, are now waiting to see whether IBEDC will finally keep its promises or if the battle for stable electricity will escalate further.

Signed,

Comr Olugbenga Lawal

Ambassador Easy

President,

Sagamu Youth Association

Comr Amb Popoola Abdullahi

Public Relations Officer

Sagamu Youths Association