The Ondo State Consumer Protection Agency (ODCCPA) has warned manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers involved in the production and sale of fake, counterfeit, adulterated, expired and substandard products to desist from such practices or face appropriate legal consequences.

The Executive Chairman of the agency, Oluyemi Fasipe on X on Thursday, while reaffirming his commitment to consumer protection and fair competition, said the agency was prepared to fully discharge its statutory responsibilities under the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Law, 2026.

He said the agency would no longer tolerate business practices that endanger lives, deceive consumers or undermine their rights in the marketplace.

“Under the leadership and clear directive of His Excellency, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, ODCCPA is set to fully discharge its statutory mandate of protecting consumers, promoting fair competition and ensuring accountability in the marketplace.

“As Executive Chairman, I am committed to executing this mandate with firmness, courage and unwavering dedication to the people of Ondo State. This is a new era, and it is certainly not business as usual,” he stated.

The chairman specifically warned businesses against manipulating measurements, engaging in deceptive pricing and exploiting unsuspecting consumers, stressing that the agency would take appropriate enforcement measures against offenders.

According to him, investigations, regulatory sanctions, sealing of offending premises where authorised by law, and prosecution through the appropriate legal process would form part of the agency’s enforcement strategies.

“The agency will exercise its statutory powers in accordance with the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Law, 2026, duly passed by the Ondo State House of Assembly and assented to by His Excellency, the Governor.

“Investigations, appropriate regulatory sanctions, sealing of offending premises where authorised by law, and prosecution through the appropriate legal process will form part of our enforcement actions,” he said.

He further declared that the agency would not grant preferential treatment to any individual or business, regardless of financial standing, social status or political connections.

“There will be no sacred cows, no preferential treatment and no immunity based on wealth, status or connections. Every business operating in Ondo State must comply with the law.

“The new sheriff is here. The mandate is clear, the authority is established, and the political will to protect the people is unwavering,” he declared.

The chairman noted that the agency’s objective was not to discourage legitimate businesses or prevent entrepreneurs from making profits, but to ensure that commercial activities were conducted responsibly and in accordance with the law.

“Ondo State is open for legitimate businesses, not commercial exploitation. You are free to make profit, but you are not free to endanger lives, deceive consumers or violate their rights,” he warned.

He assured residents that ODCCPA would remain visible, decisive and uncompromising in carrying out its regulatory responsibilities, adding that the protection of consumers would remain the agency’s foremost priority.

“Under my watch, ODCCPA will be visible, decisive, firm and uncompromising in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities. We will enforce the law without fear or favour.

“The consumer must come first,” he added.
The agency urged businesses operating across the state to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the new law and ensure full compliance, while encouraging consumers to remain vigilant and report unfair business practices to the appropriate authorities.

Source: https://punchng.com/ondo-agency-warns-businesses-against-exploiting-consumers/