The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State chapter has berated officials of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) for disconnecting electricity supply to the Council’s Secretariat without any prior notice, provocation, or legitimate reason.
The Union’s displeasure was contained in a letter signed by the Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola and Secretary, Comrade Sola Oladapo and sent to the Regional Headquarters, Ibadan on Wednesday.
The Union described action of IBEDC officials as reprehensible, condemnable, malicious, vindictive, and entirely unprovoked.
20-10-2025
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer,
Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC),
IBEDC Headquarters,
Ibadan, Oyo State.
ATTENTION: Regional Head, IBEDC Ibadan Region.
LETTER OF PROTEST AGAINST THE UNWARRANTED DISCONNECTION OF POWER SUPPLY TO THE NUJ STATE SECRETARIAT ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, writes to express its deepest displeasure and strong condemnation of the unjustifiable and reckless action of your officials who, on Friday, October 17, 2025, stormed our State Secretariat at Iyaganku, Ibadan, and disconnected the electricity supply to the entire premises without any prior notice, provocation, or legitimate reason.
This shameful and high-handed act by IBEDC’s officials paralysed the operations of our Secretariat and, most regrettably, disrupted the grand finale of our 2025 Press Week celebrations — an annual event that brings together media professionals, distinguished guests, government functionaries, and members of the public. The embarrassment caused to the Union, its members, invited dignitaries, and guests was monumental, completely undermining the spirit and purpose of the occasion.
It is on record that the NUJ Oyo State Council is performing it’s duty to the IBEDC as and when due. Majority of the tenants of NUJ Secretariat are fully on prepaid metering, with all necessary credit obligations duly met. Therefore, the disconnection carried out by your operatives was malicious, vindictive, and entirely unprovoked.
This incident cannot be dismissed as a mere operational error. The timing, manner, and context of the disconnection — on a day the Union was hosting a major event of statewide significance — suggest a deliberate act of sabotage and a direct attack on the media community in Oyo State. Such conduct from a corporate entity that ought to operate within the bounds of professionalism and corporate responsibility is both reprehensible and intolerable.
The NUJ Oyo State Council demands the following with immediate effect:
1. A formal written apology from the management of IBEDC to the Union and its members for the embarrassment and reputational damage caused by the incident.
2. A thorough internal investigation into the actions of the officials responsible for the disconnection, with appropriate disciplinary measures taken against those found culpable.
3. A public assurance that such a regrettable incident will never occur again, especially against an institution as critical to public communication and democratic accountability as the NUJ.
4. Restitution for the losses incurred, including the disruption of official activities and the adverse impact on our Press Week programme.
The NUJ, as a body of responsible professionals, values its relationship with IBEDC and other public service institutions. However, we will not stand idly by while our integrity, operations, and public image are trampled upon by actions borne of impunity and disregard for due process.
Failure to address this matter promptly and satisfactorily will leave the Union with no choice but to seek appropriate redress through every available institutional, legal, and public channel.
We therefore expect a prompt response and resolution within seven (7) days of the receipt of this letter.
Please be guided accordingly.
Yours faithfully,
For: Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Comrade Ademola Babalola
(Chairman)
Comrade Sola Oladapo
Secretary
