Maroof Asudemade
The emerging controversy over campaign billboards in Oyo State is fast becoming an embarrassment to our democracy. Rather than engaging the electorate with ideas, policies and programmes, political actors are increasingly becoming entangled in a battle over who controls advertising spaces.

The latest incident at Idi-Ape Junction, where a billboard bearing the images of Governor Seyi Makinde and Bimbo Adekanmbi was reportedly removed by unidentified persons, came barely hours after the media team of the ADC governorship candidate, Oloye Taofeek Adegboyega, alleged that the Oyo State Government dismantled its campaign billboard and replaced it with that of the governor and Adekanmbi.

Whether or not these allegations are eventually substantiated, one thing is already clear: Oyo State is heading down a dangerous path if political campaigns become synonymous with the erection and destruction of billboards.

Even more troubling are recurring complaints from opposition parties that they are being priced out of outdoor advertising through what they describe as exorbitant billboard permit charges imposed by the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency. Added to this are persistent allegations that billboards belonging to opposition candidates are removed while those of the ruling party remain untouched. Such allegations, if left unanswered, undermine public confidence in the neutrality of government institutions.

State agencies exist to serve the public, not political parties. Their actions must not only be fair but must also be seen to be fair. Where enforcement of regulations becomes selective, it creates the perception that state power is being weaponised to tilt the political playing field. Democracy cannot flourish where government institutions are perceived as partisan.

On the other hand, if supporters of opposition parties are responsible for the removal of the Makinde-Adekanmbi billboard, such conduct deserves equal condemnation. Vandalism is not opposition; it is lawlessness. Those who seek to govern must first demonstrate respect for the rule of law. Investigations revealed that the governorship candidate of ADC, Oloye Taofeek Adegboyega had paid for three months for the billboard space at Idi Ape and that the three months would expire on August. The owner of the billboard space was said to have removed the banner displaying Governor Seyi Makinde and Bimbo Adekambi, APM governorship candidate when it came to his attention that some people purportedly acting on government instruction removed Oloye Adegboyega’s banner.

The marketplace of democracy is not the billboard; it is the mind of the voter. Billboards may attract attention, but they do not cast votes. What ultimately determines electoral victory is the confidence of the people, earned through credible leadership, sound policies and genuine engagement with the electorate.

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, the Oyo State Government has a constitutional and moral responsibility to guarantee a level playing field for every registered political party. Government must resist every temptation to use state institutions, directly or indirectly, to frustrate legitimate political competition. Likewise, opposition parties must pursue every grievance through lawful means and reject retaliation or self-help.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and civil society organisations should also keep a close watch on these developments. Elections are not judged only by what happens on polling day; they are judged by whether the entire electoral environment allows every contestant to campaign freely without intimidation or discrimination.

Oyo has a proud history of political consciousness and democratic engagement. It should not become known for a campaign season defined by disappearing billboards. Let the contest be one of ideas, integrity, competence and vision not one of intimidation, vandalism and abuse of state power.

The electorate deserves better, and democracy demands nothing less.