In a dramatic protest on Friday, masquerades and youths in Omu-Aran, Irepodun LGA of Kwara State, took to the streets to demonstrate against the hike in electricity bills following the sudden change of their billing category from Band C to Band A.
The protesters gathered at Bareke Roundabout carrying placards with messages like “Omu-Aran Says No to Band A” and “Revert Omu-Aran to Band C”, expressing anger over the surge in March electricity charges—reportedly between N41,000 and N47,000, a steep rise from the previous N10,000 to N15,000 range.
They accused the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) of implementing the new billing system despite persistent power outages and unresolved transformer issues in the community. The protesters rejected security escorts and marched through key locations including Olomu Market, Latinwo Market, and IBEDC’s local office. They also blocked major highways, causing hours-long traffic disruptions.
Led by the Omu-Aran Development Association, their demands include:
– Reversion to Band C billing
– Replacement of faulty transformers
– Suspension of Band A charges
– Independent review of IBEDC service delivery
– End to overdraft purchases on prepaid meters
– Stop asking residents to buy materials for equipment repairs
The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, urged calm and assured that discussions with IBEDC were ongoing to resolve the matter.
The protest is expected to continue until IBEDC and local leaders meet the protesters’ demands.
