The lingering electricity crisis in Otu and adjoining communities of Igbojaiye, Komu, and Babaode in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State has sparked outrage, with residents accusing the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) of deliberate neglect.
In an open letter addressed to the Minister of Power and the management of IBEDC, Ibukun Oyeniyi Oyedokun, writing on behalf of the affected communities, described the situation as “sad, shameful, and unacceptable.” He lamented that in 2025, thousands of residents in these hardworking and socio-economically active communities have been reduced to “begging for something as fundamental as electricity.”
Oyedokun said reliable electricity supply remains the backbone of development, impacting small-scale businesses, schools, health centres, and security. He accused vested interests of manipulating IBEDC operations in the area to the detriment of the communities, leaving households and businesses in untold hardship.
He revealed that in the first nine months of 2025, Otu and its neighbouring towns recorded less than 72 hours of electricity supply in total, describing the development as both an administrative failure and a grave injustice.
“The facts speak for themselves. This raises serious questions about the commitment of IBEDC to equity, fairness, and service delivery,” he stated.
Beyond the economic toll, Oyedokun warned of the political implications, stressing that neglecting such communities could erode public trust in government and become a major campaign issue in future elections.
“These communities are not voiceless; they are part of the electorate. Denying them access to electricity is not just about power supply—it is about governance, inclusion, and credibility. Opposition parties will capitalise on the discontent if urgent action is not taken,” he cautioned.
He further argued that power supply is both an economic tool and a political currency, noting that “denying communities access to it is akin to disenfranchising them, because it diminishes their ability to grow, compete, and feel a sense of belonging in the larger Nigerian project.”
The letter, while appealing for urgent intervention, urged the Federal Government and IBEDC to “rise above excuses” and restore steady electricity supply in Otu, Igbojaiye, Komu, and Babaode, describing it as both a moral obligation and political necessity.
“Let it not be recorded in history that in 2025, when other parts of the world are advancing technologically, whole communities in Oyo State were left to count on less than 72 hours of electricity in nine months,” Oyedokun wrote.
He concluded by warning that residents’ patience was running thin, stressing that action taken today would be remembered tomorrow, not only in history books but also at the ballot box.
