- The Oyo State government has refuted online reports of plans to impose taxes on social events such as weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies.
- The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, described the claims as false and aimed at discrediting the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
- He explained that the viral document lacked a valid revenue code, official signature and the address of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Service, all of which are required for a genuine government notification.
- Residents are urged to ignore false information and rely on official sources.
The Oyo State government has denied reports circulating online that it intends to impose new taxes on social events such as weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies held in the state.
In a statement issued by the Information Commissioner, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government described the reports as false and misleading, saying they were fabricated to tarnish the image of Governor Seyi Makinde’s government.
Oyelade clarified that any official government document related to taxation or levy in the state must contain a valid revenue code and bear the signature of the Chairman of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Service (OYIRS). He noted that virus files circulating online failed to meet any of these requirements.
The commissioner also noted that the alleged tax notice did not contain the official address of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Service, a key feature of genuine government communications.
He urged residents of Oyo State to ignore false reports and verify any information on taxes or levies through official government channels.
He said the Makinde administration remains committed to transparency and accountability and will never impose unnecessary financial burdens on citizens.
