Babatunji Wusu –
Residents of Ishokan Estate Phase One in Ayobo, Lagos State, have been plunged into darkness for several days due to a dispute between the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (Ayobo Undertaking) and a local woman (name withheld) who is constructing a house in the area.
The blackout began on Sunday, September 1st, 2024, after the woman, who is building a duplex, undertook a drainage project that affected several electrical poles in the estate. Although she initially sought permission from the Ikeja Electricity office before starting the construction, she was reportedly told it would cost over 300,000 naira to relocate the poles. Opting not to pay, she hired an electrician to handle the relocation.
Despite reinstating the poles that were removed during the drainage construction, Ikeja Electric demanded an additional 2.6 million naira to reconnect the power and hang the wires. The woman claims this amount is for alleged tampering with the poles, which the community insists they purchased themselves.
The woman admits she should have coordinated more closely with Ikeja Electric but argues that the current demand is an extortionate attempt to extract money from her, leaving the innocent residents without electricity. Community leaders are furious over the prolonged blackout but have seen no action to restore power.
John, the technical assistant to Ayobo Undertaking Manager Mrs. Kikelomo Iyabode Okebiyi, confirmed that while the woman did seek permission to move the poles, she was only authorized to pay 500,000 naira. He stated that despite this, she proceeded with the construction, which disrupted the poles and led to the power disconnection.
John added that power would not be restored until the woman either pays for two new poles or meets the imposed fine, emphasizing that the decision is aimed at addressing the damage caused by the construction. Pleas from residents of Adewale Badmus Close and Samuel Adu Close to restore electricity have been ignored.
According to a source, the Ikeja Electric Akowonjo Business District (Iponle) has imposed a 2.6 million naira fine on the woman, claiming it covers the cost of the poles and wires. The source described this as extortion, noting that the poles are intact and the wires are still in place.
Residents argue that penalizing an entire community for the actions of one individual is an abuse of power. With the blackout nearing two weeks, they urge Ikeja Electric to find a way to penalize the woman without depriving the whole community of electricity.
