An Ibadan-based lawyer, Kazeem Oladepo, has petitioned the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over a prolonged power outage affecting the Apete community in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Apete, a large area comprising more than fifty communities, has been experiencing a complete blackout for over a month, according to the petition made available to BenriNews on Monday.
In his "save our soul" message to IBEDC, Oladepo highlighted that the power outage has created significant security challenges for residents. He noted that all efforts by community members to restore electricity have proven futile.
Community Efforts Yield No Results
"Can anybody in Nigeria today tell the whole public, most especially the inhabitants of Apete community, what is the common sin(s) committed by Apete community in Ido Local Government of Oyo State?" Oladepo questioned in his petition.
"Only if I have not lost my counting, it is more than one month now that the Apete community has not been given light. All efforts towards redeeming this ugly situation by members of the community have been futile," he added.
The lawyer revealed that community members had staged a peaceful rally and reported the matter to a popular radio station in Ibadan, yet electricity provision remains "a mirage" in the area.
Call for Political Intervention
Oladepo called on all political office holders representing the affected communities to intervene in the situation. He specifically questioned the efforts of local councillors, the Ido Local Government Chairman, State House of Assembly members, National Assembly representatives, and even President Bola Tinubu.
"By now, I cannot imagine any serious politician coming to this community when the election is around the corner and promising some flamboyant, unfulfilled projects," he stated.
Impact on Education
The lawyer emphasized that Apete is a student-populated community, home to The Polytechnic, Ibadan, which has been located there since 1971. He warned that the electricity challenges pose "a major obstacle in the government's efforts to achieve sustainable, sound education."
While acknowledging Governor Seyi Makinde's efforts in rehabilitating the Apete-Awotan-Akufo Road, Oladepo urged all concerned stakeholders to come together and restore electricity to the community "with immediate effect."
The prolonged blackout continues to affect daily life in this significant part of Ibadan, with residents awaiting urgent intervention from authorities.
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