The controversy over the removal of a campaign billboard belonging to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu, at the Geri Alimi Underpass in Ilorin has deepened, with the advertising agency managing the facility challenging the Kwara State Government’s explanation.
Almubarak Marketing Agency, on Friday September 4, claimed it had operated the advertising facility for about five years and had secured the necessary approvals and payments. The agency said the disputed space was included in bills issued by the Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KWASAA), with payments reportedly made up to June 2026. It challenged KWASAA to produce documents supporting the enforcement action and said it was ready to present its own records.
KWASAA, however, maintained that the enforcement was not politically motivated, saying the issue involved the approval status of the billboard structure and outstanding obligations by the operator. The agency alleged that an iron framework on the bridge was installed without its approval or supervision, warning that improperly installed structures could pose risks to road users.
The Kwara State Government also denied targeting Kawu or the PDP, pointing to the presence of opposition campaign billboards elsewhere in Ilorin. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s aide on Communications, Ibraheem Abdullateef, alleged that Almubarak was indebted to KWASAA and had been banned from operating when the disputed billboard was erected.
The dispute followed allegations by Kawu’s campaign team that the billboard was removed for political reasons after necessary payments and procedures had been completed. With the parties offering conflicting accounts, the controversy now centres on the approval documents, payment records and regulatory status of the advertising structure.
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