The Legislative Chamber of Irepodun Local Government Area in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, was partially destroyed by fire on Friday night, January 9, 2026, in a development that has raised concerns about electrical safety in public buildings across the state.
According to The PUNCH, the fire broke out around 10:01 pm at the Irepodun Legislative Complex along Olomu Road, affecting the Legislative Chamber and four offices within the building. Firefighters were quickly deployed to the scene and brought the blaze under control before it could spread to adjoining sections of the complex.
Confirming the incident on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer and Head of Media Unit, Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, said a preliminary investigation by the Kwara State Fire Service indicated that the fire was caused by a power surge, which ignited electrical installations and combustible materials inside the affected offices.
“The prompt response of personnel helped prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the legislative complex and adjoining buildings,” the statement read.
The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Chief Fire Service Officer Alabi Muhammed, used the incident to caution government institutions and public offices across the state against poor electrical safety practices.
“Government offices and institutions must prioritise electrical safety measures, including the installation of surge protectors, the use of standard electrical fittings, and regular inspection and maintenance of wiring systems,” Alabi said. He emphasized that strict adherence to safety standards in public buildings is essential to prevent the disruption of governance activities, loss of critical public assets, and potential harm to lives.
This latest fire adds to a troubling pattern of similar incidents in Kwara State in recent months, many of which have been linked to electrical faults and power surges. In December 2025, a fire reportedly destroyed multiple shops at a popular market in Ilorin, while another blaze earlier in the year gutted sections of a residential building in the state capital, leaving several families displaced.
Fire outbreaks have also been reported in other government offices and private establishments, highlighting the urgent need to improve electrical infrastructure and safety standards, especially during periods of unstable power supply.
The Kwara State Fire Service continues to urge residents, business owners, and public institutions to take preventive measures, including switching off electrical appliances when not in use, ensuring professional handling of electrical installations, and conducting regular safety inspections. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting lives, public infrastructure, and property across the state.
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