Itori Town, a sleepy community in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, has been plunged into what can be described as an uninterrupted blackout no thanks to the alleged intransigence of the paramount ruler, Oba Abdul Fatai Akorede Akamo, the Olu of Itori.
Eighteen-Eleven Media exclusively gathered that trouble started early in the month when the management demanded payment of outstanding debt for electricity supplied and consumed by the monarch.
According to reports, Oba Akamo refused to pay bills which led to the disconnection of electricity at his personal residence in Itori.
This allegedly irked the monarch who reportedly forcefully shut the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) office in the town. In response to the action of the monarch, officials of IBEDC
In response to the action of the monarch, officials of IBEDC returned the energy by disconnecting the electricity of the entire community.
In a “Notice of Withdrawal of Service From Itori” dated 18th July 2022, IBEDC stated: We regret to notify you that we will be withdrawing from Itori Town until further notice. This decision is a result of heightened hostility and verbal instruction by the Olu of Itori to our members of staff in Itori to vacate Itori town.
“Our office in Alatika, Itori has been shut by the Olu of Itori since Friday 15th July 2022. This act is definitely not unrelated to the disconnection of Olu of Itori’s personal residence after we duly notified him to pay up the huge outstanding on his bill.
“This decision is carefully thought out to prevent any danger to our members of staff in Itori
The notice was signed by Dr Ademola Asewumi, Regional Head (Ogun).
It will be recalled that Oba Akamo was in 2013 subject of a probe instituted by the Ogun State government over allegations of misappropriation of funds.
The probe came shortly after he was reinstated following a three-month suspension handed down by the Ogun State government. The traditional ruler was suspended for engaging in a public brawl with another traditional ruler, the Baale of Lapeleke, Adisa Akinremi.
The then Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo, who announced the probe said Mr Akamo is being investigated for financial impropriety levelled against him by some local chiefs in his domain.