Residents and indigenes of Igboye, a historic town in the Epe Division of Lagos State, are expressing deep frustration over an extended power outage that disrupted the Ileya festival and the traditional Ikioba celebration in the community.
According to residents, the electricity blackout lasted several days and began shortly before the Ileya festivities, continuing through the Ikioba celebration—an important cultural event in Igboye Kingdom that draws both residents and visitors.
Community leaders and residents have accused the electricity distribution company serving the area of negligence and insensitivity, particularly during a period widely recognized for its cultural, economic, and spiritual significance.
“This is the first time in years that our community was thrown into such prolonged darkness during a major festival,” said Mr. Lateef Mukaila , an inhabitant. “It was embarrassing for the town and disrespectful to our monarch and our heritage.”
The monarch of Igboye Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulrasaq Musa had hosted several traditional and civic events as part of the celebrations. However, residents said the lack of electricity diminished the atmosphere, hindered hospitality arrangements, and affected business activities that depend on power, such as cold storage, catering, and lighting for night events.
Observers noted that the blackout also had symbolic consequences, with many interpreting it as a slight against the authority and dignity of the traditional institution.
“This is not just a technical failure. This is a failure of respect,” said Mrs. Kadijat Amope, a resident. “The distribution company knew the importance of this season to us. Yet they allowed the entire community to suffer in darkness.”
The situation has sparked renewed calls for improved service delivery, accountability, and a more responsive engagement from utility providers, especially during festive periods in traditional communities.
Residents are urging the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to investigate the outage and ensure that similar disruptions do not reoccur in future celebrations.
“The people of Igboye deserve better. Our culture and traditions must be respected, and that includes reliable infrastructure during key festivals,” said Mr. Bakare Adedigba,b a youth in the area.
As the dust settles on this year’s Ileya and Ikioba celebrations, the power blackout remains a dark spot on what should have been a season of light, unity, and joy for the people of Igboye.