Osun Communities Reject IBEDC Allegations Amid Worsening Electricity Supply

Residents from approximately 40 communities in Osogbo, Osun State, have publicly disputed claims made by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) regarding a recent demonstration over the deteriorating electricity supply in their areas. The communities, operating collectively under the United Communities of Osogbo, emphasized that the protest was entirely peaceful and lawful.

Speaking at a press briefing held at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, community representatives accused IBEDC of spreading misinformation and attempting to intimidate residents rather than addressing the core issue of inconsistent power supply.

Peaceful Protest and Expired Ultimatum

According to the United Communities, residents had previously organized a peaceful protest and issued a seven-day ultimatum to IBEDC, demanding the restoration of consistent electricity supply or face subsequent community actions.

Dr. Nasiru Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the communities, read a statement co-signed by the group’s chairman, Sulaiman Buruji. He noted that the seven-day ultimatum had passed without any improvement in electricity provision.

“Today marks the expiration of that seven-day ultimatum. Sadly, instead of improvement, the situation has deteriorated further,” Mohammed stated.

Residents highlighted that within the seven-day period after the protest, many areas received less than nine hours of electricity, illustrating a critical shortfall in power distribution across Osogbo communities.

Allegations Against IBEDC

The communities further alleged that instead of improving the electricity supply, IBEDC approached the Department of State Services (DSS) with claims that the protest was violent and that its staff had been harassed.

“We have reliable information that IBEDC has petitioned the DSS, alleging that the protest organized by our communities was violent and that their staff were harassed,” Mohammed said.

He strongly refuted these claims, asserting that the demonstration was orderly, disciplined, and supervised by the Nigeria Police Force, with no instances of violence or property destruction.

“At no point was there violence, harassment, or destruction of property during the exercise,” Mohammed emphasized.

Demand for Band A Electricity Supply

The communities reiterated their demand to be reinstated to Band A electricity supply, which guarantees longer hours of consistent power to residential and commercial customers. They stressed that this level of supply is essential for sustaining businesses, homes, and essential services in Osogbo.

IBEDC Explains Supply Challenges

Earlier, IBEDC officials met with civil society organizations, security agencies, and community leaders in Osogbo to discuss the challenges affecting electricity distribution in the state.

Daniel Adugbo, IBEDC’s Lead Media Relations Officer, explained that the decline in supply was linked to reduced gas supply to power generating companies nationwide.

“What is happening is a national issue. There are constraints in gas production, and most power plants depend on gas to generate electricity,” Adugbo explained.

He added that the reduction in electricity generation had forced IBEDC to ration the limited power received from the national grid through load shedding across its coverage areas.