Daud Olatunji
Trouble is brewing in Ogun State following the introduction of new levies targeting broadcast stations by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPP&UD).
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the development has sparked widespread concern among broadcasters, who fear the move could stifle media operations in the state.
Sources within the Ministry revealed that the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Olatunji Odunlami, had unveiled the levies during a briefing with senior officials few months ago.
According to these sources, the commissioner justified the levies as part of efforts to boost the Ministry’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that allegations of ulterior motives have emerged.
A source close to the commissioner disclosed that the focus on broadcast stations aligns with a larger agenda to regulate the booming media landscape in Ogun State, which now boasts over 30 broadcast stations.
The source claimed that the commissioner is intent on shutting down some stations under the guise of enforcing compliance, suggesting that the new levies are designed to create financial and operational difficulties for the stations.
“The commissioner believes the levies will not only create hurdles for these stations but will also force them to comply with his directives,” the source alleged.
Amid the unfolding crisis, prominent media figures in Ogun State have rallied under the aegis of the Coalition of Independent Broadcast Stations in Ogun State (CIBS) to address the situation.
The coalition, a 32-member body representing broadcasters across the state, has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene and prevent further escalation.
Leading voices in the coalition include veteran broadcasters such as Dr. Niran Malaolu, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Chief (Dr.) Segun Odegbami, and Chief Kenny Ogungbe.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered through a letter formally submitted to the governor, the coalition urged urgent action to address the grievances of broadcast stations and ensure a fair regulatory environment.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that an acknowledgment copy of the letter was sighted, confirming its receipt by the governor’s office.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development have so far been unsuccessful.
Multiple visits to the commissioner’s office have yielded no results, and senior Ministry officials have declined to comment on the issue.
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that the lack of communication has further fueled suspicions within the media community, with stakeholders accusing the Ministry of acting unilaterally without engaging relevant stakeholders.
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