Omu-Aran Protest: Masquerades Lead Youths Against Electricity Tariff Hike

In a rare and symbolic twist, two masquerades led hundreds of youths in Omu-Aran, Irepodun LGA of Kwara State, on a peaceful protest on Friday against the sudden change of the community’s electricity billing from Band C to Band A.

🪧 Protest Highlights:

• The protest began around 8 a.m. at Bareke Roundabout, with youths carrying placards saying:
  • “IBEDC Mr Badmus Must Go”
  • “Revert Omu-Aran to Band C”
  • “From N10,000 to N47,000? Why?”
• Bills reportedly increased from N10k–N15k to as high as N47k for March.
• Protesters blocked highways, including the Omu-Aran–Kabba and Omu-Aran–Otun-Ekiti roads, disrupting vehicular movement.

🗣️ Community Demands:

1. Immediate reversion to Band C billing.
2. Non-replacement of faulty transformers to be addressed.
3. End to overdraft purchases on pre-paid meters.
4. Consumers to stop funding repairs or purchasing faulty electricity materials.
5. Independent review of IBEDC service delivery and tariff classification.

👑 Traditional Intervention: The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Oladele Adeoti, received the protesters and appealed for calm, assuring them that discussions are ongoing with IBEDC officials.

📢 IBEDC Response:

• Local Manager Mr. A.O. Badmus declined to comment.
• IBEDC Kwara spokesperson, Mr. Gbenga Ajiboye, clarified that:
  • The billing structure is regulated by NERC.
  • Omu-Aran was placed in Band A due to its 20-hour daily electricity supply (a claim locals dispute).
  • Talks are ongoing for an amicable solution.