Political tension is rising within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the removal of campaign banners belonging to governorship aspirant, Hon. Abayomi Hunye, in Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta.
The banners, which reportedly featured photographs of President Bola Tinubu and Hunye, were said to have been removed on Monday, September 7. One of the banners, displayed along Folagbade Road in Ijebu-Ode, carried the message: “Hon. Abayomi Hunye Is Still in the Race.”
The development has sparked allegations of selective enforcement and political intolerance, with Hunye’s campaign organisation questioning the circumstances surrounding the removal of the materials.
According to the campaign, the banners were meant to inform the public that the dispute surrounding the APC governorship ticket is still before the court.
The group has challenged the Ogun State Government and the Ogun State Signage and Advertising Agency (OGSAA) to explain the specific regulations the banners allegedly violated.
The campaign also wants authorities to clarify whether it was issued a notice of violation, whether the necessary approvals were obtained and whether similar rules are being applied to campaign materials belonging to other political aspirants.
It was alleged that officials of OGSAA carried out the removal under the direction of the agency’s General Manager, Hon. Fola Onifade, acting on instructions from the state government.
The campaign argued that while the government has the authority to regulate outdoor advertising and signage, such powers must be applied fairly and without political bias.
It maintained that the removal of the banners has raised concerns about whether government agencies are being used to influence the political contest ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Hunye’s campaign has therefore called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to investigate the incident and assure the public that the state’s regulatory institutions are not being selectively deployed against political opponents.
The group said the government should clearly state the law allegedly violated, disclose whether permits were required and provide details of any notice issued before the banners were removed.
Despite the development, Hunye’s campaign said it would continue to pursue its political ambitions through lawful and constitutional means.
The campaign also urged its supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while it continues to keep Ogun residents informed about developments surrounding the legal and political battle over the APC governorship ticket.
The incident has now placed the Ogun State Government under pressure to convince the public that the removal of the banners was strictly an enforcement of signage regulations and not an attempt to silence a political message.
The controversy stems from the reported removal of Hunye campaign banners in Ijebu-Ode and Abeokuta amid an ongoing dispute over the APC governorship ticket.
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