His spokesperson Olawale Rasheed said the governor is concerned that prolonged blackouts are crippling economic activities and disrupting daily life.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has summoned the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over persistent power outages in Osogbo and other major towns, describing the situation as unbearable for residents and businesses.
In a statement on Thursday, his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed said the governor is concerned that prolonged blackouts are crippling economic activities and disrupting daily life.
Adeleke urged IBEDC to provide explanations and work with the state government to find immediate solutions.
“I have received widespread complaints from all our major towns. Businesses are grinding to a halt. We cannot continue like this. I am inviting IBEDC management for brainstorming to find a way out,” Adeleke said.
The governor acknowledged that the power sector is capital intensive and a national challenge but emphasised that Osun has suffered disproportionately.
He directed the Commissioner for Energy to organise consultations with IBEDC and consumer advocacy groups for urgent intervention.
Adeleke also highlighted the state’s medium and long-term plans to diversify energy supply, including support for affordable renewable energy.
He revealed that the Osun Electricity Law is in place and plans are ongoing to establish the Osun Electricity Regulatory Commission to licence power generating companies and regulate the state’s electricity market.
Beyond the blackout, Adeleke reassured victims of recent rainstorm damage of government support, urging affected residents to submit their details to the state emergency agency.
He noted that efforts are being made to secure local and federal assistance, praising Senator Lere Oyewumi for drawing attention to the issue at the Senate.
The governor’s intervention follows protests by Osogbo youths in March over crippling electricity shortages.
Residents marched to IBEDC offices, lamenting prolonged outages and the high cost of running generators.
Protesters accused the company of continuing to issue estimated and prepaid bills despite unreliable supply, demanding a clear explanation and a definite timeline for improvement.
IBEDC earlier blamed reduced energy allocations in the Osun region, which affected its ability to deliver stable power to communities including Iwo, Ede, Ejigbo, Ikirun, Iree, Ila, Ipetu-Ijesa, and Efon Alaaye.
The company said it was engaging stakeholders to improve supply once conditions, particularly gas availability to generation companies, allow.
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