Makinde Govt Dismisses Alleged Tax on Social Events as Fake

The Oyo State Government has dismissed as fake a viral document alleging plans to impose taxes on social activities such as burials, naming ceremonies and weddings.

In a statement issued in Ibadan and signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government said the document was fabricated with the intent to smear the administration.

Oyelade explained that no official revenue directive is valid without a revenue code, the signature of the Chairman of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Service and an address reading “Oyo State Internal Revenue Office” — all of which were missing in the circulating material.

He cautioned residents to be wary of misinformation as political activities heighten ahead of the 2027 polls, warning that opponents may deploy falsehood to undermine the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration over the past seven years.

The commissioner further urged bloggers, online platforms and media outlets to desist from sharing unverified reports, insisting that professional due diligence is required before publishing material into the public space.