Omu-Aran, Kwara State – Youths in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, led by two masquerades, staged a protest against the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over alleged outrageous billing and the sudden reclassification of the town from Band C to Band A.
Details of the Protest
- Demonstration: Protesters gathered at Bareke Roundabout, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Omu-Aran says no to Band A,” and “Bring us back to Band C,” chanting protest songs.
- Route: The march proceeded through major areas, including Olomu and Latinwo markets, the Olomu palace, and the IBEDC office in the Omu-Aran City Complex.
- Disruption: Key highways linking the town to neighboring states, including the Omu-Aran–Kabba and Omu-Aran–Otun Ekiti roads, were blocked, causing significant traffic delays.
Grievances
Residents claim that the reclassification to Band A has resulted in exorbitant electricity bills, with some receiving charges ranging from N41,000 to N47,000 for March 2025, a drastic increase from previous bills of N10,000 to N15,000.
Demands
The Omu-Aran Development Association, led by President Niyi Adeyeye and Elder Ranti Adebayo, issued a joint statement outlining the community's demands:
- Replacement of faulty transformers
- Reversion from Band A to Band C
- Improvement in electricity supply
- Suspension of Band A billings
- Review of current charges
- Independent assessment of IBEDC’s service delivery
- End to overdraft purchases on prepaid meters
- Halt to requiring residents to buy materials for faulty electrical installations
Community and IBEDC Response
- Traditional Ruler’s Appeal: The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, appealed for calm, stating that community leaders are in discussions with IBEDC officials.
- IBEDC’s Stance: The Omu-Aran business manager of IBEDC declined to comment, referring inquiries to the company’s Kwara State Communication Officer, Gbenga Ajiboye.
Ajiboye explained that electricity regulation falls under the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and that communities receiving up to 20 hours of power supply daily are automatically classified under Band A. He described the matter as a commercial issue under discussion.