*Billboard Collapse: Heavy Rain, Whirlwind Not Negligence — O-Signage Fires Back at Critics*
...says swift overnight emergency response secured public safety and prevented loss of lives.
The Osun State Signage, Hoarding and Advertisement Agency (O-SIGNAGE) has observed with concern the politically coloured narratives, and commentaries circulating in some quarters following the collapse of certain outdoor advertising structures in few parts of Osogbo after the whirlwind ocassioned by heavy rainfall of Friday, 6th February 2026.
Let it be clearly stated that the safety of lives and property remains non-negotiable for the Osun State Government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke. While the incident understandably generated public concern, it is irresponsible to deliberately misrepresent a natural disaster event as evidence of systemic failure or to exploit it for political gains.
The rainfall in question was unusually intense, and accompanied by strong winds, conditions capable of compromising outdoor structures in any environment, irrespective of government or location. No authority can control wind or storm impact. What distinguishes responsible governance is preparedness, and response, not opportunistic blame.
In line with this responsibility, emergency and technical personnel were immediately deployed, and worked through the night without interruption. Affected areas were secured, fallen structures cleared, and traffic restored before daybreak. Locations including the Technical School axis, and adjoining routes received full attention, ensuring that public safety was never threatened at any point.
O-signage operates a clear regulatory framework governing the erection, and maintenance of advertising structures across Osun State. These standards remain firmly in place. Where infractions, material failures or operator negligence are established, sanctions are enforced without hesitation. Post-incident technical reviews are already ongoing to further strengthen compliance, and structural integrity, particularly in response to increasingly extreme weather conditions.
While the Agency remains open to genuine engagement and constructive criticism, it rejects attempts to weaponise natural incidents, stoke fear or advance partisan narratives that ignore facts on ground. Public safety must not be reduced to political theatre.
It is therefore deeply unfortunate that some loud commentaries conveniently omitted acknowledgment of the swift, coordinated, and effective emergency response by government personnel, whose overnight intervention ensured that risks were neutralized, and residents protected.
The Osun State Government will continue to prioritise responsive governance, enforce standards and act decisively in the public interest. O-signage remains fully committed to safeguarding our environment, and will not be distracted from it's statutory responsibilities by politically motivated distractions.
Signed:
Hon. Ridwan Wale Ayofe - Aminu,
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on O'Signage, Hoarding and Advertisement Agency.