The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised the state government’s decision to impose levies on social and traditional events such as burials, weddings, naming ceremonies, chieftaincy installations, engagements, and wake-keeps.
The opposition party described the policy as “anti-people” and warned that it would deepen the economic hardship already facing residents of the state.
According to documents obtained by Daily Post on Wednesday, the government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, has introduced a levy of N35,000 for burials, wedding ceremonies, and chieftaincy events. Additionally, N25,000 will now be charged for naming ceremonies, birthday parties, engagements, wake-keeps, and graduation events.
Reacting to the development, APC Publicity Secretary in Oyo State, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, in a statement, called on Governor Makinde to immediately withdraw the new policy, describing it as unfair and insensitive.
“Civil servants, artisans, business owners, and commercial motorists are already overwhelmed by multiple taxes and levies imposed by the state government,” Sadare said. “Introducing entertainment taxes at this time is akin to pushing citizens to the wall.”
He further argued that the decision could cripple small-scale businesses and social activities, noting that residents are still grappling with rising costs of living and economic uncertainty.
Sadare urged the government to suspend the policy and instead focus on providing relief measures for struggling families and traders.
“The state should be finding ways to ease the burden on its people, not adding to their suffering through exploitative levies,” he added.
The APC maintained that the new levies would only fuel public resentment and widen the gap between the government and the governed if not promptly reversed.
