The legislative chamber of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, was severely damaged by fire on Friday evening. The inferno, which began at approximately 10:01 pm, also affected four offices within the complex before it was brought under control.

Preliminary investigations by the Kwara State Fire Service indicate that the blaze was caused by a power surge, which ignited electrical installations and combustible materials inside the building.

Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, the Head of the Media Unit for the State Fire Service, confirmed that firefighters arrived promptly at the scene. Their rapid intervention prevented the flames from spreading to other sections of the legislative complex and nearby structures.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Chief Fire Service Officer (CFS) Alabi Muhammed, has since advised government institutions and public offices to prioritise electrical safety. He recommended the installation of surge protectors, the use of standard electrical fittings, and regular professional maintenance of wiring systems.

"Public buildings must adopt strict safety standards to prevent the disruption of governance activities and the loss of critical public assets," Muhammed stated.

This incident follows a recent call by the Executive Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Abdulazeez Yakub Tinuola, for a more conducive working environment for council staff, as the administration now faces the task of rehabilitating the damaged legislative infrastructure.