Oyo Govt Debunks Viral Entertainment Tax Claim

By Adesina Quadri Ademola

The Oyo State Government has dismissed as false a viral social media post claiming that it has introduced new levies on social activities such as burials, weddings and naming ceremonies.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, described the post as “fabricated and mischievous,” noting that it was designed to tarnish the image of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.

According to Oyelade, no such tax or levy has been approved by the government, adding that any official document relating to taxation in the state must carry a designated Revenue Code and the signature of the Chairman of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Service (OYSIRS).

“None of these conditions was met in the viral post. The purported document is a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and malign the state government,” the statement read in part.

The Commissioner further noted that any genuine communication on tax matters should bear the address of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Office, which was conspicuously missing in the fake post.

He warned that as the 2027 general elections draw nearer, political actors might resort to disinformation campaigns to undermine the achievements of the present administration.

Oyelade urged bloggers and media outlets to exercise restraint and verify information before dissemination, stressing that spreading unverified reports could mislead the public and dent the credibility of legitimate news platforms.

He assured residents that the government remains committed to transparency, accountability and the continuous delivery of developmental projects that have defined Governor Makinde’s seven years in office.