Oyo Shuts IBEDC Offices For Cutting Off Power Supply To Gov’s Office

The Oyo State government has reportedly shut down some office buildings housing the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC).

Naija News understands that the decision was taken after the power distribution company disconnected the electricity supply to the State Secretariat which also houses the Governor’s Office.

IBEDC accused the state government of unpaid bills worth N450 million, hence the reason for disconnecting supply to the State Secretariat.

However, the state had through its officials retaliated by sealing IBEDC offices over some contrived debts.

A statement signed by the Chief Operating Officer, John Ayodele, and issued to newsmen by IBEDC Lead, Media Relations of IBEDC, Busolami Tunwase, said the state government claimed IBEDC is owing revenue bills and personal income hence the action, but Ayodele said this claim is quite suspicious.

Ayodele explained that the company, as part of efforts to get the outstanding paid, initiated several engagements through correspondences and physical meetings, but all these efforts yielded no positive result.

The statement reads, “The management of IBEDC hereby informs its esteemed customers of the retaliatory and illegal action of the Oyo State Government over the issue of its huge indebtedness.

“The Oyo State Government on Wednesday 9 February 2022 commenced the sealing of our offices within the state over some suddenly contrived debts labelled revenue bills and personal income without due notification.

“This issue of revenue bills and personal income arising now is quite suspicious.

“Oyo State Government is owing IBEDC a whooping consumption outstanding of N450 million for over a period of three years.

“No business in this country can run successfully with such a huge outstanding, the power we distribute to customers must be accounted for and paid for, we have no choice but to disconnect the Oyo State Secretariat, so it is worrisome to see that the government has sealed off our offices with this underhand and arm twisting tactics, instead of paying the debt owed.

“This was not done in good faith and it would have a damaging effect on the business and service delivery to our customers.”

Ayodele appealed to the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to look into the matter in the interest of all concerned as this would further exacerbate the power challenges and pressure on residents and commercial activities within the state.

He said IBEDC engages in essential services to the public, and the effect of this arm twisting tactic can at best be imagined if not quickly arrested.