The Ogun State House of Assembly has called on the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to promptly restore electricity to several communities in Yewa North affected by the destruction of power installations allegedly caused by trucks from the Dangote Cement factory.
The appeal was made on Tuesday during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, urged IBEDC to fulfil its commitment to re-energise the affected areas, following a tripartite agreement between the State Assembly, IBEDC, and Dangote Cement.
The affected communities have reportedly remained in darkness since the incident, which saw electricity poles and associated infrastructure pulled down by Dangote trucks. While the cement company has since provided all the materials required for restoration, IBEDC is yet to carry out the reconnection.
Presenting the matter during plenary, Hon. Adegoke Adeyanju, who represents Yewa North 1 State Constituency, confirmed that Dangote Cement had fully met its obligation by supplying the necessary electrical items. He emphasised that all that remains is for IBEDC to install the equipment and restore power.
Adeyanju acknowledged the efforts of key stakeholders in the area, including traditional leaders led by the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, as well as community groups and youth leaders, for their role in ensuring peaceful engagement on the issue.
Commending the Dangote Cement factory for its quick response and responsibility in the matter, Speaker Elemide encouraged IBEDC to honour the six-week restoration timeline it earlier agreed to during deliberations with the State Assembly.
“We appreciate the responsiveness of the Dangote Cement company in replacing the damaged installations,” the Speaker said. “Now, it is time for IBEDC to play its part and re-energise our people without further delay. This was the promise made, and we are monitoring closely.”
Also during the plenary, Hon. Olusegun Odunuga of Ijebu-Ode raised a concern over the deplorable condition of roads in the Imodi-Mosan area of his constituency. In response, the Speaker instructed the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure to liaise with the Ogun State Ministry of Works to initiate repairs and maintenance.
Additionally, Hon. Fola Salami, representing Ifo 2 State Constituency, submitted a petition on behalf of residents and traditional leaders from the Oke-Aro, Akute, Asoore, and Ajuwon communities. The petition complained about environmental degradation caused by the laying of water pipes by SALINI Nigeria Limited, a contractor working for the Lagos State Government.
According to the petition, the construction activities have disrupted the ecosystem and created hazards for residents in the Akinosi Area Development Committee of Ifo Local Government Area.
The Ogun State House of Assembly has pledged to engage relevant ministries and contractors to address these pressing infrastructure and environmental concerns affecting various parts of the state.
