Nigerian Actress Iyabo Ojo Slams Lagos State Tax Agency Over Exorbitant Tax Levy

Nigerian Actress Iyabo Ojo Slams Lagos State Tax Agency Over Exorbitant Tax Levy

In a bold and defiant move, Iyabo Ojo, a popular Yoruba Nollywood actress has taken on the Lagos State Government regarding an exorbitant tax levy of N18,640,092 imposed by the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS). The actress, known for her vibrant performances and strong personality, has expressed her refusal to pay the hefty tax bill and has even given a stern ultimatum to the government.

Taking to her verified Instagram handle, the actress shared pictures of the personal income tax letter she received, bearing the official letterhead of the LIRS. She made it clear that she is prepared to face arrest if necessary because she cannot comprehend the rationale behind the frequent and exorbitant tax levies.

Although the post has since been deleted, her message resonated with many as she directly addressed Governor Jidesanwoolu and the Lagos State Government, questioning the methodology behind the outrageous personal income taxes regularly issued.

Expressing her frustration, she wrote, “Jidesanwoolu @lagosstategovt, please, how do you people come up with these outrageous personal income taxes you send on a daily basis? After paying different types of taxes for my businesses, house, and everything else… you still come up with such a huge amount and give me only 7 days to pay up, lol.”

She proceeded to narrate her recent visit to the LIRS office, where she diligently explained all her earnings as a businesswoman. However, instead of receiving reasonable consideration, she was shocked to receive an exorbitant tax levy from the state government.

In disbelief, she rhetorically asked, “Should I resort to stealing? I ask again, how do you people come up with such outrageous bills? I don’t know how much you think I earn, hence your team has come to this conclusion.”

The actress further questioned what the government has done to enhance her life, asserting, “I have single-handedly raised my kids and supported many others, including myself, without a single help from the government. Yet, you feel entitled to reap over 100 percent from where you did not sow.”

She expressed her dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in the country, highlighting that nothing seems to be functioning properly, yet the government still sees fit to extract from those who have not reaped any benefits.

The actress boldly declared that the government is welcome to arrest and imprison her, as well as shut down her business, because she is resolute in her decision not to pay the excessive tax levy.

It should be noted that the LIRS had initially demanded that the Yoruba actress pay a total sum of N18,640,092.00 as personal income tax within seven days, warning of consequences for non-compliance. The breakdown provided by the Lagos government indicated a tax liability of N7,376,000.00 for the year 2022 and an outstanding liability of N11,264,092 for the 2021 income year.

This high-profile confrontation between the actress and the Lagos State Government has sparked a significant conversation about the burden of taxation and the need for fair and reasonable levies. Many individuals and organizations have voiced their support for the actress, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and equitable taxation practices.