Residents of Ilo-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State have received a 300KVA electricity transformer donated by Pelumi Olajengbesi, the Accord Party candidate for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency.
The donation follows years of complaints about unstable electricity supply in the community, with residents saying they had endured low voltage and unreliable power since 2012.
Olajengbesi, a legal practitioner who is not currently a public office holder, fulfilled a pledge made during a visit to the community in August. He had promised to provide the transformer in October, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The transformer was received by the community chairman, Dapo Ajakaye, alongside residents and community leaders at a ceremony attended by youth groups, women leaders and artisans.
Community Chairman Recalls Years of Unstable Electricity
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Ajakaye thanked Olajengbesi for the intervention, recalling that the community had struggled with unreliable electricity for about 14 years.
He said he initially doubted the promise when it was made during the August visit, describing it as something he thought might have been intended to attract political support ahead of the governorship election.
According to him, Olajengbesi’s return with the transformer had changed the community’s expectations. The chairman also described the donation as a significant intervention, saying residents had adopted the politician as a son of the community.
Olajengbesi Criticises Poor Provision of Public Amenities
Speaking at the presentation, Olajengbesi said the donation was motivated by his concern for community development and the economic welfare of residents.
He criticised what he described as the failure of some political office holders to provide basic amenities despite citizens’ contributions through taxes and participation in elections.
He also alleged that public resources meant for infrastructure such as transformers, solar streetlights and boreholes were sometimes diverted to private interests.
“That is not representation, that is wickedness,” he said, referring to situations where communities lack basic services while some politicians enjoy privileges unavailable to ordinary residents.
Olajengbesi further commended Ajakaye for consistently seeking assistance for the community, describing him as a leader who continued to pursue solutions to residents’ needs.
Donation Comes Ahead of 2027 General Elections
Olajengbesi said he had fulfilled the commitment he made during his August visit, stressing that the intervention should not be regarded merely as a campaign activity.
“I am not yet in office, but I made a promise in August and I have fulfilled it in October,” he said.
He added that he hoped the donation would demonstrate the possibility of responding to community needs even before assuming public office.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by residents, community leaders, women and youth groups, as well as local artisans. Participants said improved electricity supply could support small businesses and other economic activities in the area.
The donation comes as political activities gradually build towards the 2027 general elections, with candidates and political groups expected to face increased scrutiny over their promises, community interventions and plans for public infrastructure.
