Ogbogan, Oyo State — Residents of Ogbogan village, a rural community located between Ikereku and Olanla villages, have raised the alarm over the prolonged absence of basic amenities, including potable water, electricity, and adequate security, describing their living conditions as unbearable.
The Baale of Ogbogan, Chief Oyekola Fasanya, said the situation has worsened economic activities and daily life in the community, where palm oil production remains the primary occupation of residents.
According to the traditional ruler, the village currently relies on a single well as its only source of water after a government-provided borehole broke down due to a faulty pumping machine.
“The borehole provided during Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration stopped working after the pumping machine got damaged. Since then, we have been managing with one well. Our people are even contributing money among themselves to try to repair the borehole,” Chief Fasanya said.
Electricity supply has also been absent in Ogbogan and neighbouring villages for more than two years, despite the presence of a functional transformer.
“We have a transformer, and there is nothing wrong with it, but NEPA just stopped supplying us electricity,” the Baale said. “We have gone to their office several times. They promised to restore power and even asked us to clear paths for poles from Ikereku to Olanla, which we did, yet nothing has changed.”
Although some politicians recently provided solar panels, Chief Fasanya noted that the intervention was insufficient, as only a few households benefitted.
Security challenges further compound the community’s hardship. The Baale acknowledged the efforts of Amotekun and Agbekoya security groups, which have recently extended patrols to the area, but said the village still lacks adequate security coverage.
While expressing appreciation for the intervention so far, residents say the measures are not enough to address growing concerns over safety.
Chief Fasanya, speaking on behalf of the community, appealed to the Oyo State Government and relevant authorities to urgently restore electricity, repair the damaged borehole, and strengthen security in Ogbogan to prevent further deterioration of living conditions.
“We are suffering here,” he said. “All we are asking for are the basic things—water, light, and security—so our people can live and work in peace.”
