The Ondo State Government has expressed concerns over the proliferation of political billboards, advertisements and other visual campaign materials in the state, saying it has launched initiative for the removal all illegal structures.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Signage and Advertisement, Yòmí Oyékàn, stated this in a statement in Akure on Sunday.
The government frowned at the unchecked erection and display of political campaign materials in several parts of the state, particularly in the Southern Senatorial District.
The statement read: “The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Signage and Advertisement has observed, with growing concern, the sudden and widespread emergence of political billboards, advertisements, and other visual campaign materials across Ondo State, particularly within the Southern Senatorial District.
“While political participation and expression are not sins and remain integral to democratic engagement, it is imperative to state unequivocally that the erection, display, or placement of any billboard, banner, poster, or outdoor political advertisement without prior communication and express approval from the Ondo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OSSAA) is illegal and a clear violation of extant regulations guiding outdoor advertising in the state. Political party affiliation, status, or perceived influence does not grant any individual, group, or organization immunity, waiver, or exemption from these regulations.
“Accordingly, all individuals, political actors, groups, and organizations responsible for such materials are hereby directed to immediately engage and formally communicate with the Ondo State Signage and Advertisement Agency for proper approval and regularisation. A grace period of forty-two (42) hours, commencing from Monday, 22nd December, is hereby granted. Upon expiration of this period, the Agency will commence the confiscation and removal of all unapproved materials and structures without further notice.
“Furthermore, registered advertisement agencies are strongly advised to settle all outstanding statutory and pending fees, as failure to do so will directly affect the approval status, validity, and content displayed on their respective structures.
“This directive is issued in the collective interest of environmental orderliness, public safety, urban aesthetics, and the prevention of visual defacement across the state. The Office remains committed to supporting lawful political communication while ensuring strict and equal compliance with signage and advertisement regulations by all stakeholders.”
