Two masquerades led dozens of protesting youths in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Friday, in a colourful but defiant march against what they described as “outrageous electricity bills” and an unapproved upgrade of their billing classification from Band C to Band A.
Chanting war songs and wielding placards at the Bareke Roundabout, the demonstrators decried the recent spike in power costs and demanded an immediate return to the previous billing band.
Some of the placards read: ‘Omu-Aran says no to Band A’, ‘Bring us back to Band C’, and ‘Revert our bills now!’
According to residents, the March 2025 bills shot up alarmingly to between ₦41,000 and ₦47,000, from the usual ₦10,000 to ₦15,000—a jump they blamed on the new classification and persistent supply issues.
“This sudden reclassification is unjust. We don’t even enjoy stable electricity, and now we’re paying Band A rates,” one of the protesters said.
The protest, which disrupted traffic on major routes such as the Omu-Aran–Kabba and Omu-Aran–Otun Ekiti highways, made stops at key locations including the Olomu Palace and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) district office within Omu-Aran City Complex.
In a statement issued by the Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) President, Mr. Niyi Adeyeye, the community listed their core demands: reversion to Band C, replacement of faulty transformers, improved electricity delivery, and an end to what they described as “consumer-funded repairs” and overdraft purchases on pre-paid meters.
“We want a full review of IBEDC’s operations in Omu-Aran and an end to exploitative billing practices,” the statement read.
The protesters also rejected a security escort from the police and other agencies, insisting the march would remain peaceful but firm.
Meanwhile, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, who received the protesters at his palace, appealed for calm and patience, noting that the community’s leadership was already engaging IBEDC on resolving the issue.
“Let us be patient as we push for a resolution. We’re working with IBEDC and will ensure the voice of the people is heard,” the monarch said.
