The Ondo State Government has issued a seven-day ultimatum to owners of abandoned heavy-duty vehicles, trucks, machinery, and large watercraft obstructing roads and waterways across the state to remove them or risk forfeiture. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency Response and Safety Enforcement, Prince Wellington Oriade Adebawo, gave the ultimatum on Wednesday, saying it takes immediate effect and expires on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Adebawo explained that the directive became necessary following growing safety concerns about abandoned heavy-duty vehicles and equipment on roads, as well as abandoned large boats and other watercraft on the state’s waterways. According to him, such abandoned objects constitute potential hazards to motorists, commuters, pedestrians and waterway users, particularly where they are left unattended for extended periods.
He disclosed that the state government had already carried out a comprehensive survey of abandoned heavy-duty vehicles, equipment and other related obstructions across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, as part of efforts to identify and address potential safety hazards across the state. He urged companies, businesses and individuals whose heavy-duty vehicles, trucks, trailers, construction equipment and other large machinery have been abandoned along roads or other public spaces to take immediate steps to remove and relocate them to safe and appropriate locations within the stipulated period.
Also, Adebawo directed owners of abandoned large boats, barges and other commercial watercraft on the state’s waterways to retrieve and relocate their vessels to designated and safe locations within the seven-day period. Adebawo stressed that the exercise is primarily aimed at preventing avoidable accidents and protecting lives and property, rather than targeting legitimate businesses or individuals.
He noted that abandoned heavy vehicles and equipment can create dangerous obstructions, reduce visibility and available road space, and expose road users to avoidable risks. He warned that where owners fail to comply with the directive within the specified period, the state government will take necessary enforcement action to remove and impound the abandoned vehicles, equipment and watercraft, with such items liable to forfeiture in accordance with applicable government regulations and laws.
He emphasised that there shall be no extension or grace period beyond the seven-day deadline, urging all affected owners and operators to use the stipulated period to comply with the directive and avoid enforcement measures. Adebawo called on relevant owners and operators to treat the directive with urgency and cooperate with the government to ensure safer roads and waterways across Ondo State.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to strengthen emergency response, safety enforcement, and preventive measures aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.
