The Oyo State Government has dismissed a viral post making rounds on social media alleging that it intends to impose taxes on social gatherings such as weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government described the claim as “a complete fabrication” and the handiwork of mischief makers bent on distorting facts and discrediting the image of the Seyi Makinde administration.
According to Oyelade, the so-called “tax circular” being circulated online is fake and does not bear any of the essential features of an authentic government document.
“Every genuine revenue or taxation document from the state must carry a Revenue Code for payment, alongside the statutory signature of the Chairman of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Board. This viral document has none of those,” he clarified.
He added that even the address format on the alleged circular exposes its falsity.
“Any real document of such nature would clearly bear the address ‘Oyo State Internal Revenue Office.’ That is missing here. It’s a crude attempt to deceive the public,” he said.
Prince Oyelade urged residents to disregard the rumour and remain vigilant, noting that as the 2027 election season draws nearer, some political actors may resort to propaganda and misinformation to distract from the steady progress and reforms achieved under Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership.
“The people of Oyo State should not fall for deliberate falsehoods. This administration’s focus remains on governance that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the welfare of citizens, not on policies that impose hardship,” he stressed.
The Commissioner also appealed to bloggers, online publishers, and media platforms to uphold journalistic ethics by verifying claims before publishing.
“The ease of posting online should never replace the responsibility to fact-check. Misinformation spreads fast, but its damage to public trust can last much longer,” he warned.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to open communication and truthfulness, assuring that any new policy or levy affecting residents would be properly communicated through official channels.