Protesters Reject Police Escort, Block Major Roads Over Electricity Tariff Hike in Kwara

Tensions escalated on Friday in Omu-Aran as protesting residents—led by masquerades and youth groups—firmly rejected attempts by police and security agencies to escort their demonstration, insisting on voicing their grievances without interference.

The protest, sparked by the abrupt increase in electricity tariffs and the reclassification of the community from Band C to Band A, intensified across major streets, including Olomu Market, Latinwo Market Area, the Olomu Palace, and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) district office located in the Omu-Aran City Complex.

As momentum grew, demonstrators blocked the Omu-Aran–Kabba and Omu-Aran–Otun-Ekiti highways, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill and stranding commuters for hours.

The protesters, who say they are being billed between ₦41,000 and ₦47,000 monthly compared to ₦10,000–₦15,000 under the previous Band C rate, have vowed to continue the protest until their demands are met.

In a statement, the President of the Omu-Aran Development Association, Mr. Niyi Adeyeye, outlined their key demands, including:

• Immediate replacement of faulty transformers contributing to irregular power supply in parts of the community.

• Reversion from Band A to Band C, with a suspension of the current billing regime.

• A full review of the tariff charges to reflect affordability and service delivery.

• Independent audit of IBEDC’s service performance in the area.

• An end to overdraft deductions on prepaid meters and the cessation of consumer-funded repairs of electrical infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of the town, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, intervened in an effort to de-escalate tensions. Addressing the protesters at his palace, the monarch appealed for calm, assuring them that engagements were already underway with IBEDC officials.

“We acknowledge your frustrations and are actively in talks with the distribution company. I urge everyone to remain peaceful and patient as we work towards a resolution,” Oba Adeoti stated.

As of press time, the IBEDC is yet to issue an official response to the protest or address the concerns raised by the community.