The Ondo State Government has issued a stern final warning to political actors over what it described as the “sudden and widespread proliferation” of unapproved political billboards, posters and banners across the state, particularly in the Southern Senatorial District.
In a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Signage and Advertisement, Yomi Oyekan on Friday,the government expressed concern over the mounting disregard for existing regulations governing outdoor advertising in the state.
According to the statement, the erection or display of any political billboard or campaign material without engagement and express approval from the Ondo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OSSAA) is illegal and punishable under the law.
Oyekan stressed that no individual, political party, aspirant, or group enjoys exemption from compliance, regardless of influence or status.
The government has therefore issued a non-extendable 42-hour grace period beginning on Monday, December 22, for all responsible individuals and organisations to regularise their documentation with OSSAA.
“Upon the expiration of this grace period, full enforcement operations will commence statewide,” the statement read.
The agency will remove and confiscate all unapproved structures and materials without further notice, while violators will face appropriate sanctions.
The statement also ordered all registered advertising agencies in the state to settle outstanding fees or risk suspension of approvals and automatic invalidation of materials currently displayed on their structures.
The directive, Oyekan said, is aimed at preserving public safety, promoting urban orderliness, and preventing visual defacement across Ondo State.
He added that the government remains committed to ensuring fair and lawful political communication while enforcing strict compliance with signage laws.
