The Ondo State Signage and Advertisement says it will commence removing and confiscating of illegally placed political billboards and visual campaign materials across the state next week.
Yòmí Oyékàn, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Signage and Advertisement, made this known in a statement on Friday in Akure.
The agency warned against the proliferation of the state with illegal billboards, noting that such acts constituted a clear violation of extant regulations guiding outdoor advertising in the state.
The statement read: “The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Signage and Advertisement has observed, with grave concern, the sudden and widespread proliferation of political billboards, banners, posters, and other visual campaign materials across Ondo State, particularly within the Southern Senatorial District.
“While political participation and freedom of expression are fundamental to democracy, it must be stated clearly and unequivocally that the erection, display, or placement of any billboard, banner, poster, or outdoor political advertisement without prior notification, engagement, and express approval of the Ondo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OSSAA) is illegal and constitutes a direct violation of extant laws and regulations governing outdoor advertising in Ondo State.
“Political party affiliation, position, status, or perceived influence does not confer immunity, waiver, or exemption on any individual, group, or organization. The law applies equally to all.
“Accordingly, this serves as a FINAL WARNING to all political actors, individuals, groups, and organizations responsible for such unapproved materials to immediately engage and formally regularise with the Ondo State Signage and Advertisement Agency. A non-extendable grace period of forty-two (42) hours, commencing from Monday, 22nd December, is hereby granted. Full enforcement operations will commence statewide from next week, immediately upon the expiration of this grace period.
“Upon commencement of enforcement, the Agency will proceed with the outright removal, confiscation, and dismantling of all unapproved political advertising materials and structures without further notice, and offenders shall be liable to all applicable sanctions under the law.
“Furthermore, all registered advertisement agencies are hereby directed to immediately settle all outstanding statutory and pending fees.
“Failure to do so shall result in the suspension of approvals and invalidate any content displayed on their respective structures.
“This directive is issued in the overriding interest of public safety, environmental orderliness, urban aesthetics, and the prevention of visual defacement across Ondo State.
“The Office remains committed to supporting lawful political communication while ensuring strict, fair, and uniform compliance with signage and advertisement regulations by all stakeholder.”
