In a protest that was part street rally, part traditional drama, residents of Omu-Aran in Kwara State took to the streets on Friday — led by two fully costumed masquerades — to say a big “NO!” to what they described as “outrageous electricity billing.”
The demonstration was sparked by the sudden upgrade of the community’s electricity supply classification from Band C to Band A, resulting in billing figures that made residents’ jaws drop faster than a blackout hits during dinner.
Armed with placards that read, “Bring Us Back to Band C,” and “Omu-Aran Youths Have Spoken Loudly,” the crowd danced and chanted at Bareke Roundabout, all while airing serious grievances.
According to the protesting youth, this reclassification came without warning and with bills skyrocketing from the usual N10,000–N15,000 range to a staggering N41,000–N47,000 in March 2025 — all for a power supply that, according to them, still behaves like a ghost: rarely seen and mostly unreliable.
The protesters marched through key locations in the town including Olomu Market, Latinwo Market Area, the palace of the Olomu of Omu-Aran, and eventually to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) district office.
In a move that escalated tensions (and traffic), the youth blocked major highways like the Omu-Aran-Kabba and Omu-Aran-Otun-Ekiti routes, causing a standstill for motorists and travelers who had no choice but to wait out the protest.
Despite offers of a security escort, the demonstrators chose to march unguarded, asserting that their cause was peaceful — but firm.
Their list of demands according to a statement by the Omu-Aran Development Association President, Niyi Adeyeye, include:
- Reverting to Band C billing
- Replacing faulty transformers
- Improving electricity supply consistency
- Suspending Band A tariffs
- Stopping overdraft deductions on pre-paid meters
- Ending the practice of citizens funding electricity infrastructure repairs
The town’s monarch, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, while receiving the group at his palace, called for calm. He assured them that discussions with IBEDC officials were already underway and urged the youth to give peace a chance while community leaders sought a resolution.
