IBEDC accuses Oyo of shutting transmission station

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company says the Ayede transmission station was locked down by the Oyo State Government, impacting its ability to supply power to some areas in the state.

In a notice, the Disco explained that its technical team had been facing challenges in accessing the station to obtain the necessary guarantee pass to address faults on the Lanlate, Interchange, and Express 33kV feeders.

Consequently, over 30 communities have been plunged into darkness.

“Kindly note that due to the lockdown of the Ayede transmission station by the Oyo State Government, our technical team is facing challenges accessing the station to obtain the necessary guarantee pass to address faults on the Lanlate, Interchange, and Express 33kV feeders.

“As a result, the following feeders and communities are experiencing power outages: Eagle Flours, Lina Oil, Bat/New Age, Frigoglass, Podo, Sokas, Odo Ona Elewe, Challenge, Boluwaji, Best Oil, Black Horse, and Aramed feeders are impacted.

“The affected communities include Oloruntumo, Logudu, LEO Community, Owode Estate, Orisunbare area, Oladele Estate, Osembele, Omi Adio, Orile Ilugun, Ido Community, Alako, Ilaju, and Iparapa Mejeje (Eruwa, Lanlate, Igboora, Idere, Ayete, Tapa, Igangan), Podo, Boluwaji, Odo Ona Elewe, Ayegun Oleyo, Challenge, ljebu-Ode Road, Toll Gate, New Garage, Molete, and Idi Ayunre,” Ibadan Disco stated.

While apologising to its customers, the power company said, “We are closely monitoring the situation with our partners in the electricity value chain and will keep you updated. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience.”

Our correspondent contacted the IBEDC spokesperson, Busolami Tunwase, to get details about the reason for sealing off the transmission station.

However, Tunwase declined comments, asking our correspondent to speak with the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

“Please talk to TCN; Ayede is a TCN office,” she said.

The TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, did not answer calls to her phone as of Tuesday evening.

When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, said he was not aware of the situation.

The PUNCH learned that some government facilities were recently disconnected over debts.