Residents of Isokan Phase I and II, Wakilu Street, Greenlake, and parts of Ashipa in the Ayobo area of Lagos State have expressed frustration over the persistent electricity issues that have plagued the area for years.
The ongoing power crisis has disrupted homes and businesses, with many attributing the problem to an outdated and non-functional transformer that has failed to meet the growing demand for electricity in the community.
The current transformer, which serves the densely populated neighborhoods, has been breaking down frequently, causing prolonged outages and further compounding the residents’ hardships. The recurring outages have forced many to rely on alternative energy sources such as generators and inverters, leading to additional financial strain, especially amidst the recent hike in fuel prices.
Residents revealed that an agreement exists for Enaro Energy to take over electricity production and distribution in the area. However, Ikeja Electric has reportedly delayed the implementation of this transition. Furthermore, the transformer, which was removed after a complete breakdown weeks ago, remains unreplaced, leaving the community in darkness.
Speaking on the matter, an elder from Isokan Phase I, Baba Adewale Badmus, lamented the ongoing suffering caused by the power outage. He emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “This is an emergency. The people are suffering, and we need to cry out to get the attention of the authorities. We’re not just complaining; we’re demanding solutions.”
Baba Badmus highlighted the financial burden placed on residents who spend heavily on fuel to power generators. He appealed to Ikeja Electric to provide a new, reliable transformer, saying, “We need a new transformer that can serve us well. The current situation is unbearable.”
Another community leader, Mr. Samuel Adu, criticized Ikeja Electric for their slow response to the crisis. He noted that the residents endured the entire festive season in darkness, adding, “The transformer has been failing for a long time. Now, it’s completely out of service. We’ve submitted official complaints, but nothing has been done. We want a brand-new transformer, not a refurbished one.”
Decades of Neglect
The Community Development Association (CDA) Chairman for Isokan Estate Phase I and II, Mr. Ademola Orishatola, traced the problem back to the early 2000s when the community purchased its first transformer. He explained that the transformer, which was initially adequate, became insufficient as the population grew. Despite repeated requests for additional transformers, none were provided, leading to years of intermittent power supply.
“Our transformer failed a test in December 2024, and since then, we’ve been in darkness. Although we’ve submitted letters to Ikeja Electric, we’ve received no tangible response. The transformer was taken to their workshop, but there has been no update on its repair or replacement,” Orishatola said.
He appealed to the government and relevant agencies to intervene, noting that many residents cannot afford fuel for generators. “Businesses are suffering, and people are struggling. We need help immediately,” he added.
A spokesperson for Ikeja Electric declined to comment directly on the issue, instead referring inquiries to the company’s Business Manager for the affected area. Responding to the residents’ concerns, Mr. Abayomi Gabriel, the Ikeja Electric Business Manager for Akowonjo, acknowledged the transformer’s failure and assured that the company is working on a solution.
Gabriel explained, “Every transformer has a capacity limit. If it becomes overloaded due to increased population or usage, it may need replacement or additional support. We are currently assessing the situation to determine the best course of action.”
However, Gabriel did not confirm whether the community would receive a new transformer or a refurbished one, citing budgetary and operational considerations.
As the power outage drags on, the residents of Isokan and neighboring areas continue to endure daily hardships. They have made it clear that the current situation is unsustainable and are calling on Ikeja Electric, the government, and relevant stakeholders to prioritize their plight.
The community hopes that their cries for help will not go unheard, as the lack of reliable power threatens livelihoods, businesses, and overall quality of life in the affected areas.
