APC Slams Makinde Over New ₦35,000 Event Levies In Oyo

The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted the Seyi Makinde-led administration over the introduction of new levies on social and traditional events, describing the policy as “insensitive” and “anti-people.”

The state government, according to documents sighted on Wednesday, has imposed a ₦35,000 levy on burial, wedding, and chieftaincy ceremonies, while naming, birthday, engagement, wake-keep, and graduation events now attract ₦25,000 each.

The policy, which the government reportedly tagged “entertainment levy,” has sparked outrage among residents who fear it could worsen the economic burden already weighing on families.

Reacting through a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Wasiu Olawale Sadare, the APC said the decision reflected poor judgment and a lack of empathy for citizens struggling under Nigeria’s biting economic hardship.

“Governor Makinde must immediately rescind this decision. This new entertainment tax will only add to the frustration of civil servants, artisans, and small business owners who are already grappling with multiple levies imposed by the state,” Sadare said.

He warned that imposing taxes on social gatherings—occasions people use to find joy amid economic difficulty—was tantamount to “pushing citizens to the wall.”

“The people of Oyo are doing everything possible to stay hopeful despite the country’s fragile economy. Yet, instead of providing relief, the government is making them pay to celebrate life’s milestones,” the APC spokesman added.

The opposition party urged the state government to suspend the policy, arguing that governance should ease the burden on citizens rather than amplify their pain.

As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government had yet to make any official statement addressing the controversy surrounding the new levies.