Today, residents of Omole Estate in Lagos took drastic action by storming the premises of Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) to protest against a prolonged power outage. Omole Estate, known for its high-end residential areas, consists of many Band A customers who pay premium rates for electricity, expecting consistent service in return.
The residents, frustrated by the lack of electricity, marched to the Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) in Ikeja, Lagos, to demand an immediate resolution. The demonstration was marked by a significant show of solidarity, with residents chanting and blocking entry points to the office to make their voices heard.
One resident captured the urgency of the situation, stating, “Residents of Omole Estates, and they are preventing us from entering. They are preventing, but we’ve gained entry. They must provide light to Omole.” The determination was clear as another voice added, “We are band A customers, we are at the Ikeja Electric office. We will not leave today until they address our complaints.”
One resident expressed distrust in the representatives sent to handle the situation, “This man cannot address us. This man is not going to address us. This is a distraction.” This sentiment was echoed by others who felt the response from Ikeja Electric was inadequate, “We are all premium customers, there is no light and nobody is doing anything” one of the residents stated.
The protest resulted in a standoff where only a few residents were initially allowed inside to discuss their grievances, while the majority remained outside. “Residents are outside they’ve asked few of us to come in, to address our complaints, waiting for top management staff or the MD to come around.”
In response, Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) acknowledged the uproar by stating they were bringing in key personnel to address the complaints, “We are bringing in the Head of Operations and Maintenance and Community relations person to address your complaints.”
As of the latest reports, the situation at Ikeja Electric’s office remained tense, with residents waiting for substantive dialogue with higher management to resolve the power supply issues plaguing Omole Estate.
