The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has lodged a strong petition against the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) for disconnecting its state secretariat from the national power grid. The union described the action as unjust, illegal, and embarrassing, calling for an immediate apology and disciplinary action against the officials responsible.

According to reports, the NUJ Secretariat in Iyaganku, Ibadan, was disconnected on Friday, October 17, 2025, without any formal notice. As of Wednesday, electricity had not yet been restored to the premises, disrupting official activities, including preparations for the union’s Press Week programme.

In a petition signed by the NUJ Chairman, Ademola Babalola, and Secretary, Sola Oladapo, the union condemned the move, accusing the IBEDC staff involved of acting recklessly. They demanded a formal written apology from the management of IBEDC to the union and its members for what they called “an act of embarrassment and reputational damage.”

The union also urged the electricity company to set up a probe panel to investigate the disconnection incident and apply appropriate disciplinary measures against the erring officials. NUJ further demanded a public assurance that such an incident would not occur again, especially against a media institution vital to democratic accountability.

Warning of legal action, NUJ stated that if the issue is not addressed within seven days, the union would seek redress through all institutional, legal, and public channels. It emphasized that the disconnection was not only unlawful but also detrimental to press freedom and professional activities in the state.