Total Blackout: Sagamu Youths Ground IBEDC Business Hub Over Unbearable Power Outages

The electricity crisis in Sagamu reached a boiling point as angry youths under the banner of the Sagamu Youth Association (SYA), led by Comrade Olugbenga Isiaka Lawal, popularly known as Ambassador Easy, shut down the operations of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in the town. Their action follows weeks of relentless power outages that have crippled businesses, threatened lives, and disrupted the socio-economic activities of the entire community.

According to the SYA leader, the protest was necessitated by the unbearable hardship inflicted on residents due to IBEDC’s continued failure to supply electricity. “We can no longer endure this darkness. Our businesses are shutting down because we cannot afford the cost of running generators. Students preparing for exams cannot read at night. Hospitals cannot power essential life-saving equipment. How long will Sagamu suffer in silence?” he queried passionately. He warned that if urgent actions are not taken to resolve the crisis, the community might be forced to explore more drastic measures to reclaim their dignity and rights.

During a tense stakeholders’ engagement, Mr. Femi, the Branch Manager of IBEDC in Sagamu, admitted that the current challenge stemmed from a national grid collapse. He, however, assured residents that efforts were being made to stabilize electricity distribution in the area. But this explanation failed to pacify the angry crowd, many of whom demanded transparency and accountability regarding the poor service delivery that has become routine in the town.

Former Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr. Ogunyanwo, also weighed in on the matter, expressing his displeasure at the lingering blackout. He urged IBEDC’s management to speak with sincerity and lay bare the actual challenges affecting power distribution in Sagamu. He offered to engage security agencies if the problem was linked to revenue collection, but stressed the need for a broader conversation around power generation. “It’s shameful that a nation of over 200 million people is generating far less electricity than countries like South Africa, which have smaller populations but better infrastructure. Before we talk of transmission, we must address our generation problems,” he added.

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In a similar vein, Comrade Bashiru Hammed Adewale popularly known as Lahbash expressed his disappointment, describing IBEDC’s actions as an insult to the people of Sagamu. He questioned why the community, despite its contribution to revenue generation, was demoted from Band C to Band E—a change that significantly limits their electricity allocation. He demanded an official explanation from IBEDC’s Business Manager, insisting that Sagamu deserves fairness and improved services, not discrimination and hardship.

Comrade Mayomi, another community stakeholder, praised the former DIG for his leadership role in the ongoing crisis and called on IBEDC’s technical team to provide a detailed explanation of the real technical issues affecting Sagamu. “We need clarity. We need a roadmap. We need solutions. This is not the time for vague promises,” he stated emphatically.

Also speaking, Comrade Jide Ayeola condemned IBEDC for issuing what he described as “criminally outrageous electricity bills” despite the near absence of power supply. He accused the electricity company of deliberately extorting residents and urged the community to remain united in demanding justice and proper service delivery. “This is not just incompetence; it is exploitation. How do you bill people heavily for power they never received?” he asked.

Despite previous interventions by key stakeholders such as the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, and the Sagamu Area Commander, ACP Alabi S. Akinjide, the crisis appears to have deepened rather than improved. The weeks-long blackout, which has left entire neighborhoods in darkness, has intensified public frustration and prompted calls for a permanent solution.

Sagamu youths had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum to IBEDC to restore stable electricity supply or face massive resistance. Unfortunately, not only did the situation remain unresolved, but it worsened, pushing the community to the edge. With tensions rising and trust in IBEDC at an all-time low, fears of an extended blackout and further unrest are beginning to take hold.