Power Outage Persists as Ikeja Electric And Property Owner Dispute Over Drainage Work And Alleged N2.6 Million Bribe

Power Outage Persists as Ikeja Electric And Property Owner Dispute Over Drainage Work And Alleged N2.6 Million Bribe

According to Naija News, the ongoing clash between the Distribution Company and the homeowner has plunged the Adewale Badmus Close and Samuel Adu Close communities into darkness.

Sources reveal that the power outage began on Sunday, September 1, 2024, after the construction of a drainage system by the homeowner impacted nearby electrical poles.

The homeowner, who is building a duplex in the area, claims she sought permission from Ikeja Electric’s Ayobo office before starting the drainage project. She was reportedly asked to pay over 300,000 naira to relocate the electric poles but chose to hire an electrician for the job instead.

Despite reinstating the poles removed during the drainage construction, the homeowner alleges that Ikeja Electric is now demanding 2.6 million naira before they will reconnect the electricity and restore power to the community. The charge, according to her, is for allegedly tampering with the poles, which the community asserts they purchased themselves.

While acknowledging her mistake in hiring an electrician, the homeowner asserts that Ikeja Electric is using the situation to extort her, thereby denying “innocent residents” access to electricity.

Community leaders have expressed frustration over the extended blackout, but no action has been taken to restore power.

John, a technical assistant to the Ayobo Undertaking Manager, Mrs. Kikelomo Iyabode Okebiyi, confirmed that the homeowner had sought permission to remove the poles and build the drainage but was instructed to pay 500,000 naira, which she declined. Consequently, the drainage construction affected the electrical poles, prompting Ikeja Electric to cut off power in the estate.

John stated that power will not be restored until the homeowner purchases two new poles and pays the fines. Residents’ appeals for reconnection have been ignored, and they have been told that electricity will remain off until the fines are settled.

A source told Naija News that the Ikeja Electric Akowonjo Business District (Iponle) has imposed a fine of 2.6 million naira on the homeowner before they will reconnect the power. The source criticized this as extortion, pointing out that the poles and wires are in good condition and accusing Ikeja Electric of exploiting the situation for financial gain.

“The community should not be punished for one person’s mistake. This is a misuse of power by Ikeja Electric. As of this coming Sunday, it will be two weeks without light. Ikeja Electric should impose penalties only on the homeowner and restore power to the community,” the source added.