The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, and the Osun State Signage, Hoarding and Advertisement Agency (O’Signage) have locked horns over alleged denial of opportunity to erect campaign billboards in the state.
Basiru alleged that O’Signage denied him the opportunity to mount billboards promoting President Bola Tinubu and the APC governorship candidate in Osun, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, despite making payment.
Speaking in a viral video recorded during a lecture at Coventry University in the United Kingdom, Basiru said, “I paid for billboard placements across Osun State for close to a year, yet not a single billboard was erected for me.”
He added, “After much delay, only part of the money was refunded, while a significant balance was retained without any service rendered.”
The former senator further alleged that some APC billboards were removed from locations including Ilesa and Osogbo.
“It is unfair and undemocratic to deny a political party the opportunity to advertise and also go ahead to remove already mounted billboards,” he said.
Calling for intervention, Basiru urged security agencies to ensure fairness in the political space.
“Democracy thrives when all parties are allowed to freely promote their ideas. Security agencies must ensure a level playing field,” he stated.
He also called on national authorities to monitor political activities in Osun, particularly ahead of future elections.
Reflecting on the 2022 governorship election, Basiru said, “There were incidents of violence, including killings and arrests of APC members, and voting in some areas like Ede continued late into the night under questionable circumstances.”
He warned that similar patterns could reoccur if not properly checked.
However, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on O’Signage, Hon. Ridwan Ayofe Adewale, dismissed the allegations, describing them as unfounded.
“Dr. Ajibola Basiru’s claims against O’Signage are baseless and misleading. The agency does not collect money for billboard placements and does not own any billboard structures,” Adewale said.
He challenged Basiru to provide details of the transaction.
“He should clearly state who he paid and how much. It is wrong to drag O’Signage into matters it has no involvement in,” he added.
Adewale explained that all billboards in Osun are owned by private individuals and advertising firms, while the agency only regulates their installation.
“All the billboards you see are privately owned. O’Signage only grants approvals and ensures compliance with regulations. We do not engage in business transactions for billboard leasing,” he said.
He further insisted that any dispute over payment should be directed at the appropriate parties.
“If he made any payment, he should face those he paid. It is misleading to accuse a regulatory agency of wrongdoing in a matter it has no control over,” Adewale stated.
Dismissing claims of political bias, Adewale added, “There are APC billboards across the state. We have nothing to gain by sabotaging any opposition campaign. The agency does not interfere in political activities.”
He reiterated that O’Signage remains committed to professionalism and neutrality.
“Every billboard has identification tags and contact details of the owners. Anyone with issues should direct their complaints appropriately. We will continue to operate within the law,” he said.
The exchange marks the latest development in the ongoing dispute between Basiru and the Osun State Government over billboard usage and campaign visibility ahead of future political activities in the state.
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