Residents Protest Roadside Transformer Installation in Bodija, Warn of Impending Safety and Urban Planning Crisis

Tension is rising in the Bodija area of Ibadan as residents of Aperin Street have publicly condemned the construction of a transformer house allegedly being installed on a narrow public road serving as a key link between the Redemption Bridge and the Oyo State Secretariat.

The transformer is intended to power a newly developed high-rise building located within the community. However, residents say that instead of situating the transformer within the compound of the multi-storey property, the developer has chosen to erect the electrical structure directly on the limited-access road that thousands of commuters use daily.

Residents fear that the transformer’s positioning could expose the community to severe risks, including electrical accidents, fire outbreaks, restricted movement, and complications during emergency situations.

“This is not just about inconvenience; it is a matter of safety and public wellbeing,” said a resident who spoke on condition of anonymity. “A transformer of this size has no business being placed on a public road. Tomorrow if something goes wrong, it is our children, our homes, and our lives at stake.”

Another community member noted that the narrowness of the road already makes it difficult for two vehicles to pass at once, and placing a transformer house at such a spot could create permanent traffic bottlenecks and reduce access for emergency responders.

The situation has prompted concerns regarding the role of regulatory bodies. Many residents question whether the developer obtained proper approval from the Oyo State Ministry of Physical Planning, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), and other relevant agencies.

Urban planning experts contacted by this newspaper explained that transformer installations for private buildings are typically required to be within the premises of the property they serve—except under exceptional circumstances, and only with strict government approval.

“If this structure truly lacks proper authorization, it raises serious governance issues,” one expert said. “Electricity infrastructure must follow technical, environmental, and safety guidelines. Placing such equipment on a public thoroughfare violates best practices and endangers lives.”

The residents of Aperin Street have begun mobilizing to prevent further construction, calling on the Oyo State Government to step in immediately.

“We want the Governor, the Commissioner for Physical Planning, and IBEDC to investigate this matter urgently,” said another concerned resident. “If this is allowed to stand, it will open the door for other private developers to occupy public roads with dangerous installations.”

The community is demanding: Immediate suspension of the transformer construction, Verification of permits and approvals issued to the developer, Relocation of the transformer to the building premises, Clear communication from government agencies regarding safety compliance.

The Bodija area is a major commercial and residential hub. Any obstruction or hazard on key access roads can disrupt traffic flow, endanger public safety, and impact businesses and commuters across the city.

Urban planners warn that the situation should not be treated as a local dispute but as a matter of national interest, given the increasing rate of private encroachment on public spaces in rapidly growing cities.

As of the time of filing this report, officials from the Oyo State Government and IBEDC had not issued an official statement regarding the matter. Efforts to obtain comments from the property developer were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, construction work on the transformer building continues, heightening the fears of residents who insist they will not relent until authorities intervene.