By Ade Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Agency has raised the alarm over alleged impersonation of officials of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission by some non-governmental organisations in the state.
The agency accused the organisations of allegedly going from one business to another, collecting money from traders and business owners and sealing premises under the guise of carrying out FCCPC registration and collecting consumer protection levies.
The Executive Chairman of the ODCCPA, Oluyemi Fasipe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, warning those involved to immediately stop the activities or face possible prosecution.
Fasipe described the reported activities as unauthorised, saying organisations found impersonating FCCPC or ODCCPA officials, or collecting funds in the name of either agency, would be handed over to law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution.
He stressed that the FCCPC was established by the Federal Government under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and that only properly authorised officials with valid identification could carry out official activities on behalf of the commission.
“No NGO is authorised to act or present itself as the FCCPC. Only duly authorised FCCPC officials with valid means of identification are permitted to conduct official activities on behalf of the Commission,” Fasipe stated.
The ODCCPA chairman explained that his agency was also legally empowered to handle competition and consumer protection matters within Ondo State under the Ondo State Competition and Consumer Protection Law, 2026.
He warned that the state government would not tolerate activities involving impersonation, extortion, harassment or any conduct capable of misleading residents and interfering with legitimate businesses.
Fasipe urged supermarket operators, market leaders, Iyalojas, Babalojas, traders and other residents to report individuals claiming to be FCCPC officials or demanding payments on behalf of the commission.
He advised members of the public to report such cases to the ODCCPA office or the nearest police station. Complaints can also be made directly to the agency through 0706 287 7740.
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The agency chairman further explained that any legitimate enforcement operation involving the ODCCPA and FCCPC in Ondo State would be coordinated with the relevant authorities and announced through official channels.
Fasipe assured traders, businesses and consumers that the agency would continue to protect their rights and promote a fair, safe and transparent marketplace without intimidation, harassment or extortion.
