The Oba-Odo of Ilesa, High Chief Busuyi Gbadamosi has secured a transformer for Araromi community to address power outage in the area.
The development also puts to rest, the controversy over the community transformer that was moved to Ibadan for repair work.
Speaking during the arrival of the new transformer to Araromi community and its environs, Oba-Odo said he resolved to buy the new transformer after the damaged one was said to be irreparable at the company where it was taken in Ibadan.
According to him, the decision to buy another transformer for the community was borne out of his love for his people and to tow the path of his fore-fathers who bought the damaged transformers during their reign as Oba-odo.
He also added that the development was with the approval of the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup Ajimoko III.
The High Chief explained that the process of moving the electricity transformer from the community, for repairs went through due process, and was with the consent of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC.
“The old transformers in question were procured by my predecessors. One by Ademokoya OBA-ODO. The other one by Oba-Odo Owolabi.
“After I was installed, I realized the communities were in darkness. I made inquiries, and they told me the transformer has been faulty for over 18 years. That’s the reason I swang into action to get it repaired.
“I lodged a complaint at IBEDC office at Isokun where I met with the Business Manager. He put me through the official process. In fact, he told me the transformer in question was not one of the ones they were servicing because it was not functioning for a long time.
“So, I wrote a letter to inform them we want to move it for service and he eventually gave the go-ahead. He even came with me alongside their crew. to inspect the bushy location.
“When we got to Ibadan, they couldn’t get the faulty part. But they said they will if we’re not in a hurry. That has been the situation.
“But after the emergence of the new Ajimoko, he set up a committee. They called on me asking about the new transformer. I explained to them and they gave me a month to produce it.
“We were in Ibadan together with Owa’s engineer and they also saw it. They were convinced that this old one can no longer be repaired.
“The woman asked me what I was going to do and I told them I’ll be willing to buy a new one, fairly used for my people if allowed to do so. The King gave his consent and I did. I felt if my predecessors can donate. Why not me? So I bought it and we also came back with the old one. That’s it at the front of my palace,” he said.
The High-Chief denied reports making the rounds that he moved the transformer without plans to return it, and warned against spread of unsubstantiated claims.
“I have always been a reputable person right before I became Oba-odo. I’m a business man and well read. So, I know left from right.
“I want to appeal to those carrying rumour on social media to desist from such. Else, it’ll get to a time that the law will catch up with them.”