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.
Political Tensions in Osun: Eight Dead in APC-PDP Local Government Clash Highlights of the Crisis: Violence Erupts Over Local Government Control OSOGBO – The struggle for control over local government secretariats in Osun State took a deadly turn, resulting in eight confirmed deaths, including an LG chairman. Several others sustained injuries as All Progressives Congress (APC) officials attempted to resume duties at their respective council secretariats. Conflicting reports emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed five of its members were among the deceased, while APC reported the loss of three of its members. The confrontation is rooted in a legal dispute. APC asserts that the Appeal Court reinstated its sacked LG chairmen and councillors. However, the Osun State government argues that a Federal High Court ruling had nullified the election that brought them into office. How the Conflict Escalated By 8:00 AM, elected APC council officials arrived at their designated secretariats across several LGAs, including Boripe, Ilesa-West, Obokun, Odo-Otin, Iwo, Ayedaade, Isokan, and Irewole. However, alleged PDP-aligned thugs reportedly stormed the locations, firing gunshots into the air to disperse the officials. This provoked a violent response from suspected APC supporters, leading to fatalities and multiple injuries. APC: PDP Thugs Launched the Attack Speaking at the Ileri-Oluwa Campaign office in Osogbo, Jamiu Olawumi, representing the APC chairman, claimed that their reinstated officials had peacefully resumed in at least 15 LGAs before the violent disruption. Olawumi stated: “By 9:15 AM, our officials had successfully resumed in 15 council areas, including Ede-South, Ife-Central, Ife-North, Ife-East, Ilesa-East, Obokun, Odo-Otin, Osogbo, Boripe, Irewole, Isokan, Ayedaade, and Atakumosa-East.” He further alleged that: “In line with Governor Adeleke’s threats, PDP thugs invaded the secretariats and began shooting at our members. Tragically, the chairman of Irewole, Remi Abass, was killed, along with a councillor in Isokan and one APC member in Ola-Oluwa.” Olawumi called on Governor Adeleke to rein in his party members and warned that APC officials would continue reporting to the secretariats in accordance with the court ruling. PDP: APC Thugs Responsible for the Violence Meanwhile, Mr. Soji Ajeigbe, Commissioner for Protocol and Government Affairs, countered these claims, stating that two PDP members, Ege and Igara, were killed by armed APC supporters. Ajeigbe added: “Six other individuals lost their lives during the struggle for the secretariats. The deceased have been taken to the morgue, and the injured are currently receiving treatment.” Governor Adeleke Deploys Security Forces In response to the escalating crisis, Governor Ademola Adeleke took to his X handle (@AAdeleke_01) to announce immediate intervention by security agencies. External Source: For further details on the political situation in Osun State, visit Premium Times for up-to-date reports. Final ThoughtsThe Osun local government crisis has taken a tragic turn, with lives lost and heightened political tensions. As investigations continue, there are growing calls for peace and legal resolution to prevent further violence. Stay updated with the latest news on political developments in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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An ex-convict, Omisakin Sunday, recently pardoned by Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has been remanded in correctional custody for allegedly stealing a plasma television worth ₦600,000. Governor Adeleke had granted clemency to 53 convicts, including Omisakin, towards the end of last year. The pardon was part of the governor’s efforts to reform the correctional system. Despite this second chance, Omisakin was brought before Magistrate Adeyeba Adekanmi at the Osogbo Magistrate Court, facing two charges: burglary and stealing. The stolen plasma TV reportedly belonged to Damilare Shittu, with the incident occurring at the Iludun area of Osogbo. These offenses are punishable under Sections 411(1)(2) and 390(9) of the Osun State Criminal Code. During the court proceedings, Omisakin pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, Prosecutor Inspector Kayode Adeoye strongly opposed his bail request. The prosecutor argued that Omisakin, who was serving a jail term before receiving the governor’s pardon, committed another crime immediately after his release. Inspector Adeoye urged the court to deny bail, citing the suspect’s repeated criminal behavior. In her ruling, Magistrate Adeyeba Adekanmi declined to grant bail and ordered that Omisakin be remanded in correctional custody. The case was adjourned for hearing in February. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
