Osogbo, the Osun State capital, was popular for constant electricity supply. The reliability of power supply in the emerging city encouraged an inflow of a large population of people who migrated to set up businesses and take residence.

Sadly, electricity supply in Osogbo is no longer reliable leaving residents grappling with hard realities of epileptic power supply. Across Osogbo, Ilesa, Ede, Iwo, Ikirun, and several smaller towns, blackouts have become part of daily planning. Unstable electricity now shapes business decisions, household routines, and even social interactions within communities.

At Alekuwodo Market in Osogbo, the impact of poor electricity supply is visible in the daily struggle of traders. A beverage seller, Folake Oni, said electricity in the area is irregular and unreliable, often lasting only one to three hours a day.

“We no longer enjoy light at all,” she said. “Sometimes it comes for one hour, sometimes two or three if we are lucky. It affects my sales seriously, especially during the hot season when customers want cold drinks or chilled water. Without steady power, it is hard to meet customers’ needs, talk less of selling.”

Her experience mirrors that of many traders whose businesses depend on refrigeration. Customers walk away when drinks are warm, and the losses fall squarely on traders.

For a cold-room operator, Alhaja Olorunkemi, the situation is even more critical. She explained that unreliable electricity has forced her to rely on costly alternatives to preserve her frozen goods.

“I buy ice blocks regularly just to keep my stock from spoiling,” she said. “I also use solar, but it is not enough. When there is no light, sales drop, and sometimes we record losses.”

She recalled a recent incident where prolonged outages led to the spoilage of frozen foods, resulting in financial loss. According to her, unreliable power does not only reduce profit, it threatens the survival of the business itself.

Another trader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described how the heat becomes unbearable during outages.

“Sometimes we cannot even use a fan in our shop,” the trader said. “When the heat is too much, we sit outside and wait for evening.”

Beyond the markets, daily routines in homes are shaped by electricity uncertainty. Ironing is done immediately power is restored. Phones, power banks, and rechargeable lamps are charged in a rush. Students read under torchlight or wait for daylight, while many children have grown accustomed to doing homework by candlelight.

Even consumers on Band A, who are expected to receive longer hours of electricity at a higher tariff, complain of receiving far less than promised. For residents on Bands B, C, D, and E, the situation is worse, with some communities experiencing extended outages lasting days.

Read Also: Japa as a Vote of No Confidence

Generators have become a major line of defence for many households. The familiar sound of small generators, popularly known as “I better pass my neighbour,” fills the streets, blending survival with noise and fumes. However, with rising fuel prices, generator use is often switched on only to pump water, charge phones, or power a fan during the hottest hours of the night.

Some residents have turned to inverters and small solar systems, but the cost of installation remains beyond the reach of many low-income earners. Even those who own them use power sparingly, prioritising basic lighting and cooling over heavy appliances.

Small businesses remain the hardest hit. Hairdressers, barbers, welders, cold-room operators, and cybercafés struggle daily as blackouts reduce productivity and profits. While some pass part of the cost to customers, others are forced to close early or shut down entirely.

The challenge is also evident in the healthcare sector, where electricity is critical. A medical doctor who runs a private health facility in Osogbo and requested anonymity described the situation as increasingly difficult.

According to him, the facility now receives very limited electricity daily, a sharp contrast to previous years when reliance on generators was minimal.

“We sometimes have power for just a few hours in a day,” he said. “Because of this, we rely heavily on generators and alternative sources of energy to function.”

He explained that the cost of running generators and gas systems has significantly increased operational expenses, prompting the facility to explore solar power despite its high installation cost.

The doctor noted that irregular electricity affects medical storage, procurement of supplies, and the ability to maintain a comfortable environment for patients. Items that should be stored in bulk are now purchased in smaller quantities, while air-conditioning is carefully rationed during procedures.

Despite these challenges, he said patient bills are not increased proportionately, as doing so would make healthcare less accessible.

“In healthcare, you cannot take chances,” he said. “We ensure there is always a backup power source to avoid interruptions during critical procedures.”

Reflecting on life without reliable electricity, the doctor said residents have been forced to adapt through alternative means, a situation he described as unsustainable in the long term.

He called on the government to reassess existing power arrangements and strengthen oversight of electricity distribution to reduce the burden on citizens.

The growing frustration over poor electricity supply recently resulted in public protest in Ede. On Monday, January 19, 2026, members of the Forum of Ede Youth Development Association (FEYDA) sealed several Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) offices, including those at Okegada, Oja-Timi, Cottage, and Owode offices over prolonged power outages.

The President of FEYDA, Afolabi Waliu Abiola, said residents had endured unstable supply for a long period, noting that when electricity is restored, it often lasts for barely 30 minutes across Ede.

He recalled a meeting with IBEDC officials in June 2025, where residents were promised a minimum of eight hours of electricity daily. According to him, the arrangement collapsed after about two months, prompting renewed frustration among residents.

Abiola added that following the action on Monday, a meeting was held with IBEDC representatives at the regional level, and discussions toward resolving the issue were ongoing.

Despite the hardship, residents across Osun State continue to hope. They appeal to authorities, adapt through alternative means, and celebrate every improvement, no matter how small. What they ask for is not luxury, but consistent electricity they can rely on to plan their lives and livelihoods.

Electricity is more than light; it is productivity, comfort, and safety. The way Osun residents cope without reliable power shows resilience. However, resilience should not be mistaken for acceptance, and endurance is not the same as development.