Alhaji Siyanbola Akinkunmi, popularly known as Omo Iya Kunmi, has taken a bold stance against the ongoing power distribution issue plaguing Oyo town. Addressing the community from the Transmission Company’s 132 KV substation in Oluewu, Siyanbola Akinkunmi shed light on the frustration and disappointment experienced by residents who continue to be deprived of the benefits of a newly commissioned power project.
“Months ago, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) successfully completed the substation, raising hopes among the Oyo community for uninterrupted power supply. However, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has proven sluggish and ineffective in distributing electricity, leaving residents in darkness and despair.
“Numerous attempts by stakeholders to engage with IBEDC’s management have yielded unsatisfactory feedback, intensifying the community’s frustration. A town hall meeting held on June 1st, led by Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu and prominent community members, aimed to address the delay in power distribution. While TCN fulfilled its responsibilities in transmitting electricity, residents are questioning why IBEDC fails to distribute power to Oyo’s residential areas,” Siyanbola disclosed.
Siyanbola Akinkunmi expressed the community’s refusal to tolerate excuses any longer, highlighting the significant resources invested by the people of Oyo town to ensure the project’s success. From purchasing cables to concrete poles, they demand rightful access to electricity that their efforts deserve.
Outlining a three-step approach—confirmation, consultation, and confrontation—Siyanbola Akinkunmi revealed the community’s strategy. The confirmation phase established the generation of power by the TCN project, but subsequent consultations with IBEDC failed to provide valid reasons for the delay in distribution. Consequently, the community is preparing for the confrontation phase, which may involve peaceful protests to draw attention to their grievances.
Asado, a prominent hotelier, voiced his frustration, emphasizing IBEDC’s unfulfilled promises of timely electricity distribution. Consequently, businesses like his are burdened with relying heavily on costly diesel generators, reaching up to 3 million naira per month. The financial strain on residents and business owners is becoming unbearable.
Alhaji Saola, another community member, denounced IBEDC’s lack of progress in installing meters and fulfilling its responsibilities. He underscored the community’s refusal to tolerate further excuses and urged IBEDC to promptly supply the much-needed electricity.
In an official ultimatum to IBEDC, Siyanbola Akinkunmi announced the impending delivery of a written notice demanding tangible solutions and a clear timeline for the restoration of power supply. While acknowledging IBEDC’s concerns about the billing system, the community’s priority is the immediate restoration of electricity, expressing their willingness to pay their bills.
The community’s frustration is compounded by the recent hike in petroleum prices, exacerbating their daily struggles. Siyanbola Akinkunmi and fellow community members have pledged to take their fight to IBEDC’s doorstep, determined to ensure that Oyo town finally receives the uninterrupted power supply it was promised.
As the community eagerly awaits a response from IBEDC, their determination grows stronger, united in their resolve to no longer accept empty promises or endure a life without electricity. Oyo town demands immediate action and a resolution to this power struggle that has plunged the community into darkness for far too long. Residents stand ready to join forces, peacefully protest if necessary, and explore all available avenues to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are respected.