Tension is brewing in the Alagbado Layout Community of Ilorin South Local Government following allegations that the LG Chairman, Hon. Nuhu Majeed Podo, forcefully removed two transformers, including a 500KVA transformer donated by Senator Saliu Mustapha.
For nearly two years, Alagbado residents endured a total blackout after their transformer broke down, leaving homes and businesses in distress. Despite repeated pleas, government intervention remained elusive until February 13, 2025, when the local government facilitated the installation of a 300KVA transformer—a partial solution that failed to provide adequate power for the entire community.
In response to the crisis, Senator Saliu Mustapha stepped in, donating a 500KVA transformer to enhance electricity supply. However, in a shocking twist, residents claim that Hon. Podo, accompanied by security operatives, stormed the area and removed both transformers without prior notice.
Residents Cry Out: “This Is Political Oppression”
The Concerned Residents of Alagbado Layout issued a strongly worded statement condemning the chairman’s actions as political sabotage and oppression.
“This is not just an act of theft; it is a deliberate attempt to punish us for political reasons. We demand the immediate return of our transformers and the restoration of our electricity,” the statement read.
Community leaders argue that Hon. Podo had no justification for seizing a transformer he did not provide, calling on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the Kwara State House of Assembly to intervene.
“The chairman’s actions show a lack of empathy for our suffering. We have endured darkness for two years, and now that a solution has arrived, he is taking it away,” said a resident, Alhaji Kareem Yusuf.
LG Defends Action, Blames Senator Mustapha for “Political Interference”
In response to the outrage, the Ilorin South Local Government media team dismissed the allegations as false and misleading. A press statement shared in a popular Kwara-based WhatsApp group by Sanni Rufai Gbodofu and obtained by Just Event Online TV on Monday morning accused Senator Mustapha of stirring political conflict rather than collaborating with the LG.
According to the Podo New Media team, the 500KVA transformer donated by Mustapha was originally meant for another community still lacking electricity. However, they claim that some residents of Alagbado Layout forcibly removed the 300KVA transformer installed by the LG and replaced it with the senator’s donation.
“Senator Mustapha ignored the community’s plight for two years. Now, instead of working with the government, he is stirring up chaos,” the statement alleged.
The LG clarified that both transformers had been moved to the LG secretariat in Pake pending a resolution between different factions within the Alagbado Layout community.
Community Rejects LG’s Explanation, Threatens Legal Action
Despite the local government’s defense, residents remain unconvinced and outraged, insisting that the transformer removal was unjustified and politically motivated.
“If the chairman truly had good intentions, why didn’t he inform us before taking the transformers? This is pure oppression,” said Mrs. Olabisi Adeyemi, a business owner affected by the blackout.
Community leaders have vowed to seek legal action if the transformers are not returned immediately.
The controversy has further fueled tensions in Ilorin South, with observers warning that political interference in basic infrastructure projects could set a dangerous precedent in the state.
As the crisis unfolds, residents are awaiting intervention from the Kwara State Government to resolve the impasse and restore power to the affected community.
