APC faults Makinde over N35,000 levies on burials, weddings, chieftaincy rites

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the decision of the state government to impose fresh levies on social events, describing the policy as “anti-people” and insensitive to the current economic realities.

A document sighted by Patriotic Insights News on Wednesday shows that the state government introduced a N35,000 charge for burials, wedding ceremonies and chieftaincy events. Another N25,000 levy is to be paid before hosting naming ceremonies, birthdays, wake-keep, engagements and graduation parties.

Reacting in a statement, APC Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, urged Governor Seyi Makinde to immediately suspend the policy, saying residents are already overwhelmed by multiple taxes.

“Civil servants, artisans, business owners and commercial vehicle operators are still struggling under existing tax burdens. Introducing entertainment levies at this time is akin to pushing people to the wall,” Sadare said.

He argued that social events have remained one of the few avenues through which families cushion the effect of economic hardship, “yet government is now attempting to tax even moments of relief.”

He warned that enforcing such taxes would deepen frustration among citizens and further erode public goodwill.

The party asked the state government to rescind the decision without delay.