Economic Crises: Ooni canvasses for Tax Payment

By Rafiu Agboola

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, has identified tax as universal remedy to the current economic mess facing Osun State. He enjoined the people of the State to support the state government through regular and prompt tax payment.

The monarch disclosed this while receiving in his palace officials of State Board of Internal Revenue led by its chairman, Mr. Dayo Oyebamiji.

According to him, in advanced countries of the world, payment of taxes and other levies are usually treated with the seriousness it deserves, adding that many nations of the world survive mainly on taxes.

The monarch averred that for government to provide basic infrastructural amenities, citizens must be prepared to play their roles by paying taxes and levies.

Motivating and encouraging people into regular and prompt tax payment, Oba Ogunwusi said taxation is the only way to good governance and that, there is no shortcut to its diligence.

According to him, “There is no easy road to greatness and whoever wants greatness must be prepared to finance greatness. Our people want greatness, good governance and good things of life but they shied away and failed to rise to their responsibilities to government through taxation.”

“I want to appeal to our people to make sure that they pay their taxes regularly as the only way to assist, support and request for good things from government.” He added.

“There is no escape or shortcut to tax payment either one is government official or not, everybody is being controlled by government, therefore, there is the need for all and sundry to see taxation as the only surviving and sustainable means to a continued good governance.

While warning the revenue collectors against sharp practices, Oba Ogunwusi demanded for a transparent tax collection system.

Earlier, the Chairman, Osun state Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Dayo Oyebamiji, commended the monarch for his effort towards enhancing unity of the Yoruba Nation.

He stressed that people must not treat the issue of tax payment with levity, saying by helping to sensitize the general public, especially farmers, market women, small and large scale industry owners, Ooni has contributed to measures that would see the state record better result in its revenue generation drive.