For over a year, residents of Lafiaji-Orchid in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos have been living in darkness, their lives disrupted by a faulty transformer that has yet to be repaired.
This prolonged power outage has not only plunged the community into literal darkness but has also stifled economic activities and heightened security concerns.
During a visit by Adamimogo 93.1FM, members of the Lafiaji-Orchid Landlord Association confirmed that legal action had been taken against Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to necessitate an immediate resolution to the power crisis.
The Community Secretary, Abiodun Ajose, shared the residents’ mounting frustration. “We’ve written countless letters, made numerous phone calls, and even staged peaceful protests,” he recounts. “But it’s like shouting into an empty space. EKEDC seems deaf to our pleas.”
The community’s traditional ruler, Baale Olarewaju Ali-Balogun, expressed disbelief at the situation. “How can an area within the upscale Lekki-Epe corridor be abandoned like this?” he questioned. “Our local economy is crumbling. Small businesses are shutting down, and people are moving away. EKEDC must wake up and replace this faulty transformer before they kill our community entirely.”
Several residents also shared their grievances, emphasizing how the power outage has hindered development and posed significant security risks. “We are constantly worried about the safety of our homes and businesses,” said a resident who preferred to remain anonymous. “Without electricity, our community has become vulnerable to criminal activities, and this is unacceptable.”
When contacted for a response, a representative from Eko Electricity Distribution Company stated that they required more time to provide a detailed explanation regarding the situation.
The community is however seeking the intervention of the Lagos State Government to spur the Distribution Company to repaid its faulty transformer and bring an end to their prolonged suffering.
