The Ajeromi-Ifelodun community was thrown into mourning on Saturday after an electrocution incident at Alayabiagba Junction claimed a life and left several others injured. The tragedy has reignited calls for stricter safety practices and improved maintenance of electrical infrastructure.
Hon. Kazeem Akinleye, Councillor representing Ward B (Aiyetoro), visited the scene to console victims’ families. He described the incident as avoidable and urged stronger collaboration between residents and the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).
“This is a sad and preventable tragedy. We must prioritize safety and strengthen our maintenance culture to avert future occurrences,” Akinleye said.
Community members highlighted structural risks, including shops built too close to power lines and neglected equipment such as unreplaced wooden spacers once used to stabilize cables.
Later, the Executive Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Olalekan Olu Akindipe, visited Tolu Medical Center where a survivor is receiving treatment. He supported the medical bills and assured families of continued government assistance.
“This kind of tragedy must never be allowed again. We must all work together to safeguard lives,” Akindipe declared.
The disaster has fueled debate on urban planning, infrastructure safety, and the urgent need for regular inspections. A resident, Shaqz Ade, captured community sentiment in a social media post: “We only respond after tragedies. What about prevention?”
Anger deepened when residents discovered exposed live wires left unattended at the site long after the incident. With no EKEDC officials present, locals say the hazard still threatens lives, particularly children and unsuspecting passersby.
Community groups have begun drafting formal complaints and protest letters. The Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM), led by Moshood Oshunfurewa Adebola, submitted a strongly worded petition to EKEDC’s customer care unit, condemning the company’s “continued negligence.”
The letter reads in part: “What makes this tragedy even more disheartening is the silence that followed it. No emergency response, no clearance of exposed wires—every passing minute remains a potential death trap.”
The letter signed by Onyinyechi Philips, directly blamed EKEDC for the havoc : “As the distribution company tasked with electricity safety, EKEDC bears full responsibility for the lives lost and any further casualties if this hazard is not addressed.”
Residents and community leaders have warned that unless urgent safety measures are implemented—including clearing exposed wires, enforcing safe building distances, and routine infrastructure checks—they will escalate the matter to regulatory bodies, human rights organizations, and the media to hold EKEDC accountable.
