- Safiu Kehinde
The Oyo State Government has debunked the claims laid against it by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, over projects within the state.
Adelabu had reportedly accused the Seyi Makinde-led administration of failing to assist the Federal Government in ensuring that Oyo State indigenes and residents enjoy uninterrupted and reliable electricity.
The minister made the allegation at the end of a meeting with the management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and other stakeholders concerning the state of electricity in Oyo.
He also accused the administration over the failure to generate power from the 11KV diesel power project despite amount spent on it.
“The only power project they have, the 11KV diesel power project at the Secretariat, is moribund after they spent billions of Oyo State funds on it. It has never produced a Kilowatt of energy for Oyo State residents.
“So they do not have the moral right to condemn activities of the Federal government. This is because we have done a lot for Oyo State, and the benefits will be seen in a couple of months.” Adelabu said.
Reacting to the allegation in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Oyo State Commissioner for Engineer and Mineral Resources, Prof. Daud Shangodoyin, faulted Adelabu’s claim, labelling it as inaccurate.
Shangdoyin clarified that the 11KW Power Project was sponsored by a private firm.
“The attention of the Oyo State Government has been drawn to certain inaccurate statements made by the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, regarding the status of power projects within the State. It is important to clearly set the records straight in the interest of the public.
“Firstly, the 11MW Independent Power Project (IPP) was indeed completed and partially operationalised. About 5MW was successfully commissioned, and it supplied electricity to critical government infrastructure at the Agodi Secretariat for approximately five months during its testing phase.
“However, it must be clearly stated that:
“The project operated under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) arrangement.
“Oyo State Government did not release capital funds to the contractor for the project, as the project was fully funded by the private investment.
“Payments made were strictly for electricity consumed during the testing period, not for project execution.” The Commissioner wrote.
The Commissioner however noted that the limitation observed was not in generation alone but in distribution expansion, particularly the need to extend supply beyond the Secretariat to residential and commercial corridors such as Bodija–Total Garden axis.
He further highlighted latest development on the ongoing 12 MW Ibadan Independent Power Gas Project.
“In line with our forward-looking energy strategy, the State has commenced a more sustainable and technically robust project — the 12MW Ibadan Independent Power Gas Project. Current status:
“The project is significantly advanced, with civil works, generator base infrastructure, and ancillary facilities well underway.
“Transmission infrastructure is progressing, including installation of concrete poles and distribution fittings across key parts of Ibadan.
“The project is designed not just for government use, but to serve strategic public institutions, street lighting, and expand to wider economic clusters.” He said.
Shangodoyin nited that the project represents a shift from experimental power supply to a structured, scalable, and integrated electricity solution for Oyo State.
While constructive criticism is welcome, the commisioner not that it must be anchored on verified information.