APC Faults Introduction Of Entertainment Taxes In Oyo

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State chapter, has faulted the reported introduction of taxes payable by sponsors and organisers of social events to the state government, saying it is anti-people, ill-conceived and unacceptable.

The party’s publicity secretary, Olawale Sadare, called on Governor Seyi Makinde to reverse the policy immediately.

It was reported that the state government is developing a policy requiring residents to pay varying amounts of money in taxes to obtain permits for social events.

This was confirmed on Wednesday by officials who picked up calls from the phone contacts contained in a printed sticker, apparently released to announce the price regime for the new taxes.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State government has dismissed a viral post alleging plans to impose taxes on social events such as burials, naming ceremonies, and weddings as false.

Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade, in a statement on Thursday, described the viral post as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s image.

Oyelade explained that any official document related to tax or levy must contain a revenue code, bear the signature of the chairman of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Board, and include the address of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Office.

“None of these features appeared in the viral post”, he noted.

He urged public members to disregard the fake information, describing it as one of the many tactics political opponents may use as the 2027 elections approach to misinform residents and discredit the government’s achievements over the past seven years.

The commissioner cautioned bloggers, journalists, and media platforms against circulating unverified information, stressing the need for accuracy and professionalism in their reporting.