Two masquerades led hundreds of protesting youths through the streets of Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, as residents voiced their frustration over a sharp hike in electricity tariffs and the town’s sudden reclassification from Band C to Band A by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The unusual protest, which began at Bareke Roundabout, drew attention with placards bearing messages such as: “Omu-Aran says no to Band A,” “Bring us back to Band C,” and “Revert Omu-Aran to Band C.”
Massive Bill Hikes Spark Outrage
Residents say the reclassification triggered an unjustified increase in monthly electricity bills, with many now receiving charges of N41,000 to N47,000—a steep jump from their previous bills of N10,000 to N15,000.
The protesters marched through Olomu and Latinwo markets, stopped at the Olomu Palace, and converged at the IBEDC office located in the Omu-Aran City Complex. Major roads linking Omu-Aran to Kabba and Otun Ekiti were also blocked, causing gridlock and halting traffic for hours.
Residents Demand Reversal to Band C
In a joint statement, Niyi Adeyeye, President of the Omu-Aran Development Association, and Elder Ranti Adebayo, outlined several demands:
- Immediate reversion to Band C tariff classification.
- Suspension of Band A billing.
- Replacement of faulty transformers.
- Improved electricity supply and fairer billing.
- End to customers purchasing materials for electrical repairs.
- Independent assessment of IBEDC’s services in the town.
- Elimination of overdraft charges on prepaid meters.
They also stressed that the problems with electricity in the area predated the tariff hike and have now been worsened by the new classification.
Community Urges Peace as IBEDC Responds
The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, addressed the protesters at his palace, appealing for calm and assuring them that discussions were ongoing with IBEDC officials.
Meanwhile, IBEDC’s business manager in Omu-Aran, A. O. Badmus, declined to comment, directing inquiries to the company’s Kwara State Communication Officer, Gbenga Ajiboye.
Ajiboye clarified that the reclassification was made by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), not IBEDC, stating that areas receiving up to 20 hours of daily supply automatically fall under Band A.
He described the matter as a commercial dispute and confirmed that dialogue with community leaders was in progress.
Despite the tension, protesters refused police escorts, insisting on a peaceful demonstration. They vowed not to back down until their demands are met.
