Operations at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) offices across Osun State were disrupted on Thursday as employees staged protests over the dismissal of several colleagues, leading to widespread power outages.
The protest, which began in Osogbo, Ede, and Ilesa, affected critical locations, including Ilaje in Ilesa, Oja Timi, Ede Business Hub, and the Ikirun Business Unit. Offices were locked, and employees abandoned their posts in solidarity.
A senior official of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), speaking anonymously, said the demonstration was sparked by the termination of several team leaders for allegedly failing to meet revenue targets.
In response, IBEDC’s Coordinating Head of Corporate Services, Angela Olanrewaju, refuted claims of an official strike, stating that the demonstration was merely a picket organized by NUEE.
“We urge our customers and stakeholders to disregard reports of a strike. This was a picket over alleged dismissals,” the statement read.
Olanrewaju explained that the affected staff members were dismissed for consistent poor performance, following the company’s Conditions of Service. She assured customers that despite economic challenges, IBEDC remains committed to employee welfare and continues to pay full salaries monthly.
