Tensions escalated at Ikeja Electric on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, as workers staged a protest in Lagos demanding the removal of their Business Manager, Mr. Abayo Bolorunde, over allegations of intimidation, harassment, and mass sackings.
The demonstrators accused Bolorunde, whose contract was controversially extended despite his retirement, of presiding over the dismissal of more than 68 staff members, including 38 directly under his supervision.
They alleged that after the retrenchment, remaining workers were compelled to shoulder heavier workloads without additional support.
Employees also faulted the company’s management for failing to follow laid-down procedures.
Under the Conditions of Service, they said, underperforming staff should be placed on a Performance Improvement Plan, but instead were summarily dismissed.
“The work environment has become oppressive, with bullying, intimidation, and threats of dismissal at every turn. Promotions and salary increments have been frozen for years, leaving staff demoralised and frustrated,” one protesting worker said.
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The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), which backed the protest, insisted that Bolorunde must be relieved of his duties immediately.
The union criticised the management for extending his tenure beyond retirement, describing it as unfair and damaging to staff morale.
NUEE further demanded the reinstatement of the sacked employees and urged the company to engage in dialogue to address workers’ grievances.
Placard-carrying protesters also decried the non-implementation of the new National Minimum Wage and several collectively bargained agreements, accusing management of running the workplace “like a slave camp.”