In what was perceived as a symbolic display of discontent, two masquerades led a youth-driven protest in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, against what residents described as “outrageous” electricity bills.
The protesters over the weekend, decried the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company’s (IBEDC) recent decision to migrate the community from Band C to Band A in its billing classification — a move they blame for the sudden surge in their March 2025 electricity charges.
Chanting slogans and carrying placards that read, “Omu-Aran says no to Band A,” “Bring us back to Band C,” and “Omu-Aran youths have spoken loudly,” the demonstrators demanded an immediate reversal of the new billing status.
A viral video posted on X (formerly Twitter) captured the moment the masquerades joined the procession, adding a cultural twist to the protest. Residents say the Band A classification has exposed them to higher rates without corresponding improvement in power supply.
“This is injustice,” one protester said. “We can’t keep paying more for less. We want to go back to Band C where we belong.”
As of now, IBEDC has not issued a formal response to the protest.
