The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has protested the disconnection of electricity supply to its State Secretariat by officials of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
In a protest letter addressed to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, the Union described the action as “unwarranted, reckless and unjustifiable,” saying it occurred on Friday, October 17, 2025, at its Secretariat in Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The letter, signed by the Council Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola, and Secretary, Comrade Sola Oladapo, expressed deep displeasure over the incident which, it said, disrupted the grand finale of the 2025 Press Week celebrations.
According to the Union, IBEDC officials stormed the premises and disconnected power supply without any prior notice or provocation, leaving the Secretariat and its tenants in total blackout.
The NUJ said the development caused huge embarrassment to its members, invited dignitaries, and guests, describing the act as “a direct affront to the media community in Oyo State.”
It noted that the Union and tenants within the Secretariat were fully compliant with payment obligations, with most operating on prepaid meters, making the action “malicious and vindictive.”
The Council argued that the timing and manner of the disconnection suggested a deliberate attempt to sabotage the Union’s event rather than an operational error.
In its demands, the NUJ called for a formal written apology from IBEDC management, a thorough investigation into the conduct of the officials involved, and disciplinary action against those found culpable.
The Union also requested public assurance from IBEDC that such an incident would not occur again, and restitution for the losses incurred during the disrupted Press Week programme.
While reaffirming its commitment to cordial relations with public service institutions, the Union warned that it would not tolerate any act of impunity or disregard for due process.
The Council gave the company seven days to address the issue, threatening to seek redress through legal and institutional channels if the matter is not resolved satisfactorily.
As of the time of filing this report, IBEDC had yet to respond to the allegations or issue an official statement on the matter.
