The TA Gardens Estate Residents Association (TAGRA) has rejected reports circulating online about the incident that occurred within the estate on June 24, 2026, describing several claims as inaccurate and misleading.

In a statement issued by the association, TAGRA said it was compelled to clarify the sequence of events following the circulation of what it described as an unsigned and unverifiable press statement that, according to the association, misrepresented both the incident and the role played by residents.

TAGRA denied allegations that the Managing Director of Vitalvox, Mr. Wole Akala, was held hostage during the incident.

According to the association, Akala arrived at the estate while a disagreement was taking place at the main gate between security personnel and a resident who was attempting to bring a generator into the estate after weeks of prolonged electricity outages.

The association said the disagreement temporarily restricted access to the estate for several people, including schoolchildren returning home and Akala.

TAGRA further alleged that during the confrontation, Akala verbally abused residents before leaving the premises alongside the Head of Facility Management, Mr. Temidayo Odekunle.

The association also claimed that Odekunle later returned with individuals it described as armed thugs, some allegedly carrying charms, who forced their way into the estate.

According to TAGRA, one of the individuals was captured in videos circulating on social media physically assaulting an armed police officer.

The association also disputed claims that it unlawfully assumed responsibility for the estate’s electricity infrastructure or contributed to the ongoing power crisis.

According to TAGRA, Vitalvox formally notified the association in a letter dated May 19, 2026, that Canistel Facility Management would withdraw from direct management of the estate’s electricity system with effect from June 15, 2026, transferring responsibility to the residents’ association.

TAGRA said the transition process commenced immediately, with a qualified service provider engaged and the handover completed on June 4 before Vitalvox was formally notified.

The association added that a subsequent letter dated June 2 requested updates on the transition process, which it said demonstrated that the transfer had been initiated by Vitalvox rather than the residents.

TAGRA said the June 24 incident followed several weeks of worsening electricity and water supply problems within the estate.

According to the association, residents experienced repeated power outages throughout May despite paying a blended tariff intended to cover electricity supplied by the utility company and diesel-powered generator services.

The statement alleged that Canistel repeatedly failed to procure diesel, prompting residents to contribute personal funds to purchase 5,000 litres of diesel to restore electricity.

TAGRA further claimed that after the diesel was delivered, residents were informed that the generator’s changeover switch had failed. When the facility managers allegedly declined to replace the equipment, residents again funded the purchase of a replacement component.

The association said another 3,000 litres of diesel were procured on June 17 before residents were informed that the generator’s coil had developed a fault requiring replacement.

According to TAGRA, repeated assurances that repairs were imminent failed to restore electricity, leaving residents without power for several more days.

The association also alleged that diesel intended for the estate’s water pumping generator was diverted to power the facility management office, resulting in residents being left without both electricity and water.

As part of efforts to address the recurring electricity challenges, TAGRA said it began discussions with an Independent Power Producer (IPP) already supplying electricity to businesses and residential developments along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway corridor.

The association stated that representatives of Vitalvox and Canistel attended a meeting on June 18 during which the proposed solution was presented.

According to TAGRA, all parties acknowledged that the IPP represented a viable long-term alternative to reliance on diesel-powered generators.

The association therefore rejected suggestions that it had entered into any agreement without consultation, describing such claims as inaccurate.

TAGRA said its priority remains restoring reliable electricity and preserving the vision of TA Gardens as a peaceful and well-managed residential community.

The association called on all stakeholders, including Vitalvox, Canistel Facility Management and the estate owners, to work together to achieve a lasting solution to the estate’s infrastructure challenges.

The Guardian has reached out to Vitalvox and Canistel Facility Management but didn’t get a response before going to press.