The Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) and its lead consultant, ITC Advisory Services, have dismissed claims that the removal of a billboard belonging to Pita Media was politically, ethnically, or personally motivated, insisting that the action was solely based on regulatory enforcement.
In a statement issued to address public reactions, the agency said recent publications, videos, and social media posts linking the enforcement action to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) or portraying it as a political or tribal issue were false and misleading.
According to the statement, the matter was strictly one of regulatory compliance, stressing that the SSG had no involvement in the enforcement process.
The agency explained that while Pita Media is a registered practitioner under OYSAA, all registered operators are required to comply with regulations governing the erection, relocation, upgrading, and operation of advertising structures across Oyo State.
It noted that the regulations are intended to ensure fairness, public safety, environmental aesthetics, and a level playing field for all practitioners in the outdoor advertising industry.
The statement further revealed that Pita Media initially operated as an installer before becoming a registered practitioner, adding that OYSAA had supported the company by guiding it through the necessary registration process to enable it operate legally.
However, the agency alleged that despite previous engagements, warnings, and enforcement actions, the company continued to violate established regulations.
According to OYSAA, the billboard at the centre of the controversy was relocated and upgraded without obtaining the required approvals.
The agency said it made several attempts to resolve the issue without resorting to enforcement, including advising the company to reduce the size of the structure and bring it into compliance.
It also disclosed that on July 20, 2026, Mr. Olabode Ajetumobi of ITC Advisory Services met with the operator at Devis Hotel, where the company requested additional time and pledged to carry out the necessary corrective measures by July 24.
The agency said the promised compliance was not achieved within the agreed timeframe, leaving it with no option but to enforce the law.
“It was an enforcement action arising from non-compliance and should not be interpreted as victimisation, intimidation, or a personal attack,” the statement said.
ITC Advisory Services maintained that its role as OYSAA’s lead consultant includes improving compliance, strengthening industry standards, boosting legitimate government revenue, and ensuring the safety of lives and property through proper regulation of advertising structures.
The agency urged the public to disregard attempts to politicise the issue, insisting that the enforcement followed due process after repeated opportunities for compliance were ignored.