The Ondo State Government has given owners of abandoned heavy-duty vehicles, trucks, machinery and large watercraft across the state seven days to remove them or risk forfeiture.
The directive, which takes effect from Wednesday, September 30, to Wednesday, October 7, 2026, was issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency Response and Safety Enforcement, Prince Wellington Oriade Adebawo.
Adebawo, who announced the ultimatum at a press conference in Akure on Wednesday, said the abandoned vehicles, equipment and watercraft posed safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, commuters and waterways users.
He said the government had conducted a survey across the 18 local government areas to identify abandoned heavy-duty vehicles, machinery and other obstructions requiring urgent intervention.
He urged owners of abandoned trucks, trailers, construction equipment and other heavy machinery along roads and public spaces to remove them to safe locations within the stipulated period.
Similarly, owners of abandoned boats, barges and other commercial watercraft were directed to retrieve and relocate them to designated safe locations.
Adebawo said the exercise was aimed at preventing avoidable accidents and protecting lives and property, stressing that abandoned equipment could obstruct roads, reduce visibility and expose road users to danger.
He warned that owners who failed to comply by October 7 would face enforcement action, including removal and impoundment of the affected vehicles, equipment and watercraft, which could be liable to forfeiture in accordance with relevant laws.
He stressed that there would be no extension or grace period, urging affected owners to take advantage of the seven-day window to comply.
Adebawo said the directive was part of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration’s efforts to strengthen safety enforcement and emergency response and ensure safer roads and waterways across the state.
