Tension erupted in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as a masquerade led a group of angry youths in a dramatic protest against the sudden hike in electricity tariffs and the controversial reclassification of the community’s billing from Band C to Band A.
The protest, which took place on Friday, drew large crowds to Bareke Roundabout in the heart of the town, where demonstrators carried placards with bold inscriptions such as “Omu-Aran Says No to Band A,” “Revert Omu-Aran to Band C,” and “Omu-Aran Youths Have Spoken Loudly.” Protesters danced, sang war songs, and voiced their grievances over what they described as “outrageous” electricity bills received in March 2025.
The unusual presence of a masquerade leading the protest drew both attention and symbolic weight to the demonstration, highlighting the depth of community frustration. The youths accused electricity providers of exploiting the community, especially as the area still faces frequent power outages and unresolved supply issues, which they say make the Band A classification unjustified.
“We are being asked to pay premium rates for unreliable power,” one of the protesters lamented, adding that the new billing system has imposed unbearable financial strain on households.
Despite attempts by police and other security agents to manage the crowd, the protesters rejected offers of escort, insisting the movement would remain peaceful and community-led.
Residents are now calling for an immediate review of the tariff band classification and a return to Band C, pending the resolution of the power supply issues plaguing the area. The protest has since sparked broader conversations across the state about the fairness and transparency of Nigeria’s electricity billing system.
