● Outrage in Osogbo as Civil Groups Demand Immediate Power Restoration from IBEDC.

● Osun Civil Society Groups Give IBEDC 48-Hour Ultimatum Over Worsening Power Outage in Osogbo.

Several civil society organisations in Osun State have strongly criticised the deepening electricity supply challenges affecting Osogbo and nearby communities, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to restore consistent power supply or face a peaceful mass protest.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State, representatives of various advocacy bodies expressed frustration over the persistent blackout. The statement was jointly signed by Olowu Emmanuel of Social Economic and Civil Rights Advocacy (SECRA); Tobiloba Richards Agboola of Good Governance Initiative (GGI); Raufu Sodiq Akinkunmi (Success) of Youths for Better Nigeria; Olanrewaju Stephen of Center for Accountability & Democracy; and Janet Olayemi Gbadebo of Grassroots Watch.

The coalition decried the prolonged power outages, noting that artisans, traders, households, and corporate establishments have continued to endure extended periods without electricity. They alleged that IBEDC has neither provided satisfactory explanations for the situation nor offered clear assurances of improvement.

According to the groups, the persistent outages can no longer be described as routine disruptions but rather reflect a troubling disregard for the welfare, rights, and economic survival of residents.

The organisations also faulted the Service-Based Tariff (SBT) system introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which classifies electricity consumers into supply bands with promised minimum daily hours of electricity. They argued that several communities in Osun have seemingly been assigned to lower supply bands, leading to drastically reduced electricity supply even as consumers continue to receive regular bills.

They stressed that despite the structured tariff arrangement, many residents are not receiving the level of electricity promised under the framework.

Furthermore, the civil society groups warned that the deteriorating power situation is compounding poverty and threatening economic stability in the state. Businesses are reportedly struggling to remain operational, artisans and traders are recording significant daily losses, and many households are forced to depend on costly alternative energy sources.

The coalition cautioned that if their demands are not met within the 48-hour window, they will organise a peaceful protest at the IBEDC regional office in Osogbo. They added that residents, market unions, youth associations, artisans, and community leaders would be mobilised to participate in the demonstration.

Concluding the statement, the groups emphasised that electricity is an essential service paid for by consumers, not a luxury. They declared that the people of Osun will no longer accept what they described as neglect, exploitation, and continued silence from those in charge.