“Bring Us Back to Band C” – Masquerades Lead Protest Against Electricity Tariff Hike in Kwara

Residents of Omu-Aran in Kwara State took to the streets on April 8, 2025, to protest a sudden and significant hike in electricity tariffs. In a striking display, two masquerades led hundreds of youths through major parts of the town, decrying the community’s reclassification from Band C to Band A by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

The protesters, carrying placards with messages like “Bring Us Back to Band C” and “Omu-Aran Says No to Band A”, expressed frustration over inflated electricity bills—some as high as ₦47,000—despite persistent power outages and faulty transformers.

Starting at Bareke Roundabout, the protest moved through Olomu Market, the IBEDC office, and the Olomu Palace. Major roads connecting the town to other states were blocked, leaving many motorists stranded.

The Omu-Aran Development Association, in a statement signed by its president, Niyi Adeyeye, demanded an immediate reversal to Band C, a review of inflated charges, the repair of damaged infrastructure, and an end to customer-funded maintenance.

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, urged the protesters to remain peaceful, assuring them that community leaders were engaging IBEDC to address the issue. The protest remained peaceful throughout.