Residents of Ode-Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene in the lingering electricity crisis that has left the community in darkness for over 14 years.
In an open letter, the residents lamented that the prolonged power outage has crippled economic activities, weakened educational services, and placed healthcare delivery under serious strain.
They also expressed fears that the persistent blackout has worsened insecurity in the area.
Community leaders accused the contractor handling the restoration project of failing to deliver, despite reports of funds being allocated. They demanded an urgent probe into the project and immediate government action.
“This blackout has destroyed our economy, stalled education, and left our health centres struggling to cope. We cannot keep living in darkness while a contract for power restoration remains unfulfilled,” said Mr. Telejaye Adesayo, who spoke on behalf of the residents.
Another resident insisted: “Electricity is not a luxury but a necessity for development. We trust Governor Aiyedatiwa to act swiftly and bring an end to this suffering.”
Govt Response: “Efforts Already Underway”
Reacting to the protest, Ondo State Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Johnson Alabi, admitted that residents of Irele and Ese-Odo have suffered prolonged power outages for more than 15 years. However, he dismissed claims that the state government had abandoned the people.
According to him, the current administration has made “frantic efforts” to restore electricity to the affected areas.
“Since Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed office, we have been rehabilitating the vandalized network infrastructure. Over 16 transformers have been reactivated, and eight new 500kVA/33kV transformers are being installed between Igbobini and Irele,” Alabi said.
He further disclosed that the transmission line from Erinje to Irele has been fully deployed and is ready for activation. “In less than a month from now, power will be restored to Irele and Ese-Odo LGAs. The government is not folding its arms; we are working round the clock,” the commissioner assured.
Residents, however, remain skeptical, insisting that similar promises in the past have yielded no tangible results.
