The Oyo State Government has debunked claims circulating on social media that it introduced taxes on social events such as burials, naming ceremonies, and weddings.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government described the report as false and politically motivated, alleging that it was designed to tarnish the image of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
According to Oyelade, the misinformation is part of tactics by political opponents to mislead residents as the next election approaches.
“The public should disregard the viral post suggesting that the state government plans to impose taxes on social events like burials, naming ceremonies, and weddings,” he stated.
He explained that any official document introducing such levies must include a Revenue Code, bear the signature of the Chairman of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Board, and carry the official address of the board. None of these requirements were present in the purported document making the rounds, which, he said, proves it was fabricated.
Oyelade also cautioned bloggers, journalists, and online platforms to verify information before publishing, warning that spreading falsehoods could mislead the public and damage the state’s reputation.
The clarification came after the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, through its Publicity Secretary Comrade Olawale Sadare, accused the government of introducing “entertainment taxes” on event sponsors and organizers. The APC had described the alleged policy as “anti-people and ill-conceived,” calling for its immediate withdrawal.
However, the Oyo government reaffirmed that no such tax policy exists and urged residents to ignore the misinformation.
