Protest Erupts in Ibadan as Ex-IBEDC Staff Demand Jobs Back
Ex-IBEDC Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company staged a protest in Ibadan, demanding their reinstatement after what they described as unjust dismissal from the company. The demonstrators, who gathered in large numbers, voiced their grievances over the alleged wrongful termination of their contracts, insisting that due process was not followed in their dismissal.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters marched through major streets before converging at the IBEDC headquarters in Ibadan. They accused the company of unfair labor practices, claiming that many of them were relieved of their duties without prior notice or proper severance packages. According to some of the affected staff, the dismissals had left them in financial distress, as many had spent years working with the company without any indication that their employment was at risk.
One of the protest leaders, who spoke on behalf of the aggrieved workers, stated that IBEDC had failed to engage them in discussions before terminating their contracts. He emphasized that the dismissals were not only abrupt but also unjustified, as several of those affected had been dedicated employees with no prior records of misconduct. He called on relevant authorities, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and government agencies, to intervene and ensure their reinstatement.
Efforts to get an official response from IBEDC management were met with silence, as no representative addressed the protesters during the demonstration. However, some sources within the company suggested that the dismissals were part of a restructuring process aimed at improving operational efficiency. This explanation did little to appease the protesters, who insisted that their rights had been violated and vowed to continue their agitation until justice was served.
The protest disrupted business activities in parts of the city, drawing the attention of law enforcement officers who were deployed to prevent any breakdown of law and order. Despite the heavy security presence, the demonstration remained peaceful, with the former employees reiterating their commitment to seeking justice through legal and industrial actions if necessary.
As the situation unfolds, labor unions and advocacy groups have begun weighing in on the matter, calling for an independent review of the mass dismissal. Stakeholders argue that companies must adhere to fair labor practices and provide adequate compensation or alternative employment arrangements for workers affected by restructuring exercises.
The demands of the dismissed IBEDC staff have now placed pressure on the company to respond, as public interest in the case continues to grow. With further protests planned, the outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for labor relations within the electricity distribution sector and beyond.