In a series of high-level engagements on Thursday, December 19, 2024, kakalistiq.com reports that the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, hosted the leadership of Ikeja Electric (IE) and the new Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Unit Commander in Epe. The discussions focused on resolving critical issues ranging from electricity infrastructure vandalism to improving road safety in the region.
In his meeting with the Ikeja Electric delegation, Oba Ogunsanwo expressed concern over the increasing incidents of power infrastructure vandalism, which have plunged Epe and surrounding communities into darkness.
“Since August, we have recorded nine cases of vandalism in Epe, Eredo, and Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Areas,” Oba Ogunsanwo said. “This menace has severely disrupted our community’s development, and those responsible must face the full wrath of the law.”
To combat the problem, the monarch revealed the establishment of a joint committee comprising Ikeja Electric officials, traditional rulers, and religious leaders. This committee aims to raise awareness about the economic and social impact of vandalism through advocacy and civic engagement.
The Business Manager for Ikeja Electric, Engineer Emmanuel Iberuche, highlighted the scale of the challenge. “In the past four years, vandalism cases have risen from 138 to 173 annually. Just last month, we lost 95 distribution transformers,” he said. He added that IE has initiated a whistleblowing policy and is working on deploying an online platform to simplify meter installation in the community.
The monarch also called for swift action to address consumer complaints about overbilling and the lack of prepaid meters. “I have offered my palace as a workstation for Ikeja Electric to ensure residents’ concerns are promptly addressed,” he announced.
Oba Ogunsanwo and the Ikeja Electric team discussed the Epe-Ajah-Omotosho power project as a lasting solution to the region’s electricity woes. “This project is vital to securing reliable power supply for our communities. While it may take time, we are making steady progress,” the monarch assured.
I’m a similar development, Oba Ogunsanwo also received the newly appointed FRSC Unit Commander for Epe, Mrs. E.O. Adewoye, to address traffic management and road safety. The monarch identified several black spots, including Aiyetoro, which he described as a hotspot for accidents.
“I urged the commander to leverage her expertise to ensure safety measures, such as installing speed breakers and traffic signs, are implemented at critical points,” Oba Ogunsanwo stated. He also emphasized the need to remove articulated vehicles parked dangerously along Mojoda Road.
“The parking of fuel tankers on public roads poses a significant risk, especially during the festive season. They must be relocated to designated tanker garages to prevent potential casualties,” he warned.
Commander Adewoye assured the monarch of her commitment to improving road safety in the region. “We will survey these black spots and work closely with local authorities to implement necessary safety measures. Ensuring safer roads in Epe is a top priority,” she said.
The engagements underscore the Alara’s dedication to addressing pressing challenges in Epe. “Safety and reliable power supply are fundamental to community development and prosperity. We expect positive feedback and swift action from all stakeholders involved,” Oba Ogunsanwo concluded.
