The Executive Chairman of the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State has denied reports that a public electricity transformer was covertly diverted to the private compound of Alhaji Buhari Mohammed Makama, father of Sadiq Buhari, the Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Social Investment.

This clarification comes after a SaharaReporters’ story exposed anger and outrage within the Tsaragi community, alleging that a transformer meant to improve electricity supply for the general public was unlawfully moved into Makama’s private residence.

Residents who spoke to SaharaReporters had accused Makama of abusing his son’s political influence to hijack the transformer, which was procured for the collective benefit of the community.

A community leader, speaking under anonymity, had described the action as a “blatant abuse of power and privilege.”

“This transformer was meant for the entire Tsaragi community. It is a public asset, not a private inheritance,” the source told SaharaReporters.

“Just because his son holds a political office does not give him the right to hijack what belongs to everyone. It is unacceptable.”

The source further alleged that a staff member of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), known as Isa Afro, falsely claimed that the Emir of Tsaragi had approved the siting of the transformer within Makama’s premises.

“This is a blatant lie and far from the truth,” the source said.

In response to the public outrage, the Executive Chairman of Edu Local Government, through an official statement on Monday, dismissed the allegations.

The statement, signed by the Council’s Media Team and Communications Strategic Unit, reads:

“To set the record straight, the Council Chairman stated that the Council is aware of the transformer at the premises of the Makama of Tsaragi. The transformer has been installed in a safe location to prevent regular vandalism of armour cables by unknown criminals.

“This agreement was reached at the instance of the Emir of Tsaragi, who requested the Makama to allow the Council to install the transformer in his compound for safety reasons, and he agreed.

“The Makama did not divert the transformer to his compound. In light of this, the Council wishes to tender an apology to the Makama of Tsaragi. The council will always serve the interests of the masses.”