In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chairman of Oworonshoki Electricity, Mr. Seun Gbogboade, accused the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) of gross negligence, saying the company has repeatedly ignored calls to replace the faulty poles despite multiple reports over the past year.

Residents of Adabale Street in Oworonshoki, Lagos, have expressed concerns over what they describe as an imminent threat to lives and properties due to dangerously leaning electricity poles located at No. 4 and No. 6 Adabale Street.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Chairman of Oworonshoki Electricity, Mr. Seun Gbogboade, accused the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) of gross negligence, saying the company has repeatedly ignored calls to replace the faulty poles despite multiple reports over the past year.

“This electricity pole is a death trap,” Gbogboade said. 

He explained that they have made several complaints to IKEDC. Each time, they promise to come and fix it, but nothing has been done. 

The Chairman of Oworonshoki Electricity said that the situation is now life-threatening for the residents of the buildings and the entire street.

Gbogboade warned that the area is currently in a hazardous state, and called on the IKEDC to intervene urgently before lives are lost.

The statement read,  "We are writing to formally report a grave threat to the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens in Oworonshoki, Lagos, as a result of the negligence of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC).

The chairman explained that during rainfall today 20th May 2025. the pole at No. 4 Adabale Street was observed shaking violently causing the live wires connected to other poles to be dangerously strained. 

"This situation poses a significant risk to thé residents of these houses and the entire street. We have been reporting this particular pole in the last one year.

"We have visited IKEDC ofice on multiple occasions at Oworonshoki undertaking in Gbagada where we met with some of their stafl. They kept promising to come fix it but had never shown up to fix or replace the pole. 

"We would like to cal the attention of IKEDC and the Nigeria Police that Adabale street is a multi-tenant house with more than 20 children having their play area around the bad electric pole, making this more dangerous and threatening to life.

 "It is important to highlight that Oworonshoki has experienced several incidents in the past due to poor electricity intrastructure, resulting in tragic losses of lives and properties. 

"Notable examples include: In 2023, a house on Oworo Road was completely destroyed by fire following a spark from an electricity pole."

He stated,  "Approximately 15 years ago, a house on Onabanjo Street was razed after a pole wire fell onto a generator, igniting a fire that claimed the lives of eight people due to electrocution.

"These unfortunate incidents could have been prevented if the distribution company had taken proactive measures to maintain and renair their infrastructure.

 "We earnestly request that IKEDC addresses the current danger as a matter of urgency to prevent another tragedy. Should IKEDC fail to act promptly and any calamity occurs asa result, we respectfully request that the Nigerian police hold IKEDC fully accountable for any resulting loss or damage," he said. 

According to Gbogboade, "We urge the Nigerian police to protect the lives and properties of Oworonshoki residents by inviting IKEDC for questioning and ensuring that they fulfill their responsibility to safeguard our community.

 "A total replacement of the three affected poles on No 4 and 6, Adabale street, Oworonshoki," he added.