By Adegbaju Temitope 

Public anger is mounting across Ondo State as residents, civic groups, and social media users condemn the State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Alabi, for defending the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) amid allegations of a secret electricity tariff increase.

The commissioner had earlier dismissed reports of a hidden tariff adjustment, insisting that no increment was made and that some consumers were only migrated from lower service bands to Band A, which attracts higher charges.

However, his explanation has provoked widespread backlash, with many residents accusing him of siding with BEDC instead of protecting the interests of the people.

Across Akure, Owo, and other parts of the state, residents described Alabi’s comments as “insensitive,” “untrue,” and “a betrayal of public trust.”

Mr Adeola Ipinlaye, a resident of Akure, said his electricity token value had dropped drastically in recent weeks.

“₦100,000 that used to give thousands of units now gives barely 300. It’s daylight robbery,” he lamented.

Another resident, Olaniyi Oluwole, criticised the arbitrary migration of customers to higher service bands.

“You don’t just move customers to a higher band without notice. What if they don’t need that long supply hours? Meter everyone and let people vend based on their needs,” he argued.

On social media, several users joined the outcry.

A Facebook user, Segun Olajide, accused the commissioner of defending BEDC’s interests instead of standing up for citizens.

“Dear Engr. Johnson Alabi, you’re not working for the people but for BEDC. You’re moving residents from one band to another without providing poles, wires, or transformers. Fact-check your claim of ₦209 per kWh, residents are being charged ₦227.3,” he wrote.

Another resident, Olamiposi Obajuluwa, described the commissioner’s remarks about improved power supply as “false claims.”

“It’s obvious our Commissioner is not working for the good people of Ondo State but for BEDC and a few selfish individuals. In my hometown, Owo, we barely get three hours of power at midnight. He should fear God,” he said angrily.

In an unexpected turn, the commissioner personally responded to Olajide’s Facebook post, defending his position and reiterating that the state had acted within its regulatory powers.

“Segun Olajide, it’s unfortunate that a lot of people, including you, are not facing the new reality. Ondo State has since taken over electricity regulation, and the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (OSERB) reserves the right to set electricity tariffs,” Alabi wrote.

He maintained that the changes were not a tariff hike but a “band upgrade” to reflect improved service delivery, insisting that residents must be prepared to pay more for better supply.

“The essence of prepaid meters is to help citizens reduce estimated billing and increase electricity availability. These two goals have been achieved, though we can still improve,” he stated.

But Alabi’s clarification appears to have done little to calm public discontent.

Comrade Bamidele Adigun of the Ondo Consumer Protection Movement said the commissioner’s tone only confirmed public suspicion.

“His response proved the public right that he’s defending BEDC instead of addressing citizens’ hardship,” Adigun said.

Consumer rights groups have since vowed to petition the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to investigate what they described as a “disguised tariff hike” that violates consumers’ rights and transparency principles.

As public outrage continues to spread, residents are calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene and compel BEDC and state regulators to review the policy.

In her reaction, Mrs Kemi Ogunjobi, a resident of Akure said: “We are tired of paying more for darkness. If this is the new reality, then it’s a cruel one.”