The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council has threatened to sue the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), over last last week’s disconnection of electricity supply to its premises at Iyaganku,Ibadan.
The union said it will embark on the action if the company refuses to promptly attend to its complaints one week after receipt of same.
The journalists conveyed their displeasure in a letter jointly signed by the Union’s Chairman and Secretary, Comrade Ademola Babalola and Comrade Sola Oladapo respectivefully and addressed to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC Headquarters, Ibadan, Oyo State on Monday.
The journalists seek 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.
They also demand:”A thorough internal investigation into the actions of the officials responsible for the disconnection, with appropriate disciplinary measures taken against those found culpable.
“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. 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.”
The journalists accused the officials of the power company to have, on Friday, October 17, 2025, stormed the NUJ State Secretariat at Iyaganku, Ibadan, and disconnected the electricity supply to the entire premises without any prior notice.
According to the letter, “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 said.
It added:”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.”
