The management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has pledged to provide improved services for the people of Ibadanland, particularly for the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
This assurance was given by IBEDC’s Acting Managing Director, Francis Agoha, during a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler in Ibadan on Thursday (today, September 19).
Agoha led a delegation of the company’s top management officials as part of an effort to strengthen relations with the traditional council and address ongoing power supply issues in the region.
In his address, Agoha emphasized that the purpose of the visit was to show solidarity with the Olubadan’s efforts to foster peace and stability in the community, which is also tied to the provision of a steady and reliable power supply.
He explained that the company’s technical team had been hard at work to finalize the necessary processes that would connect the Olubadan’s palace to a nearby 33KVA power line, assuring that the connection is expected to greatly improve the stability of electricity in the area thereby enhancing the quality of life for both the monarch and the residents.
“We consider the traditional council a crucial partner in our operations, as they play an essential role in coordinating the citizens,” Agoha said. “Without the coordination and support of the traditional rulers, businesses such as ours cannot operate effectively. By identifying with them and working in collaboration, we aim to deliver better services to the people of Ibadan.”
During the meeting, Asipa of Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, spoke on behalf of the Olubadan.
He expressed appreciation to IBEDC for the improvements in power supply that has already been noticed within the Ibadan metropolis, noting, however, that while progress has been made, there is still work to be done, particularly in ensuring that the palace receives an uninterrupted power supply.
The Asipa explained that the palace hosts numerous dignitaries and important visitors on a daily basis, which makes consistent power supply essential for its proper functioning.
He pointed out that frequent power outages require the palace to rely on diesel generators, leading to significant financial expenditure on the purchase of diesel.
Kola-Daisi urged IBEDC to continue its search for a  lasting solution to the ongoing power challenges, not only for the palace but also for other areas of Ibadan that still face instability in electricity supply.
The need for stable power in a city as large and prominent as Ibadan, he argued, cannot be overstated, and the people are relying on IBEDC to meet those needs.
In response to these concerns, the IBEDC’s Ibadan Regional Head, Mr. Oluwasogo Olufayo, reassured the palace representatives that efforts were underway to address the situation, disclosing that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, had recently approved a request for the procurement of a new transformer to service the palace.
This transformer, once installed, would help stabilize power supply and reduce reliance on backup generators, Olufayo assured.
He further disclosed that IBEDC’s technical team would commence work immediately after the palace contractor has completed the necessary preparations, pointing out that the company remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to the palace and the broader Ibadan community thereby ensuring that the issues affecting power distribution are resolved efficiently.
