The BAO Agenda 2026 Group in a press release Issued by Hon. Moshood Lawal (State Coordinator), Hon. Olufemi Aduloju Oja I (Secretary General), and Ms. Yewande Aribasoye (PRO) on Friday described Mrs Ogun’s allegations as unfounded aimed at gaining cheap publicity and should be disregarded.
The BAO Agenda 2026 Group categorically refuted the misleading and politically motivated claims made by PDP chieftain Mrs. Funmi Ogun regarding the tax policies of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.The group in a point-by-point response to her baseless assertions noted her misrepresentation of Tax Policy and Economic Strategy.
The Ekiti State Government operates under a prudent fiscal framework designed to ensure sustainable development without burdening citizens. Contrary to Mrs. Ogun’s claims, the 2025 “Budget of Sustainable Impact” (N375.7 billion) explicitly prioritizes human capital development, agriculture, infrastructure with
zero-borrowing policy. The administration’s focus on expanding the revenue base is not about “generating revenues at the expense of the populace” but ensuring self-sufficiency and long-term growth.
The government has consistently engaged stakeholders, including business owners and labor unions, to harmonize tax policies with economic realities. For instance, Governor Oyebanji established a multi-stakeholder committee to address wage implementation, reflecting his commitment to inclusivity.
On allegations of Multiple Taxation and Business Hostility,the stressed that
Mrs. Ogun’s claims of “multiple taxation stifling MSMEs” are unfounded. The administration has implemented structured reforms to streamline tax collection, including digitalization of processes and collaboration with development partners to enhance efficiency. The recent surge in Ekiti’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)—ranked as the “most improved” in Nigeria—is a testament to transparent and equitable fiscal practices.
Moreover, initiatives like the Ekiti Innovation Hub and Adire Ekiti (training 600 entrepreneurs with seed funding) directly empower SMEs, contradicting the narrative of business suppression. The administration has also introduced tax incentives for cooperative and low-interest loans for women and youth, fostering entrepreneurship.
The isolated protests referenced by Mrs. Ogun are not reflective of widespread discontent but rather a mischaracterization amplified by opposition elements. Governor Oyebanji’s administration maintains open channels for dialogue, as evidenced by the Public Presentation of the 2025 Budget, where journalists and citizens freely engaged officials on fiscal priorities.
The government has repeatedly cautioned against illegal tax enforcement, with the Commissioner for Finance emphasizing accountability and prudence in revenue collection. Any verified misconduct by revenue officers is swiftly addressed, as the administration prioritizes citizen welfare over punitive measures.
It is ironic that Mrs. Ogun, a member of a party that presided over Ekiti’s economic stagnation, now feigns concern for businesses. Under PDP’s past tenure, Ekiti suffered from infrastructural decay and mismanagement,r whereas the APC government has delivered projects like the Ekiti State Airport (licensed for non-scheduled flights),16km farm roads rehabilitated in 2 LGAs, Free healthcare for vulnerable groups and N15,000 palliatives for civil servants.
The PDP’s sudden interest in tax policy is a desperate ploy to undermine the APC’s progress ahead of 2026. Their history of empty rhetoric and failed governance disqualifies them from lecturing on economic management.
Governor Oyebanji’s administration remains steadfast in its Six-Pillar Development Agenda, derived from Ekiti’s 30-year master plan.
The efforts are transforming Ekiti into a hub of innovation and productivity, directly countering Mrs. Ogun’s doom-laden predictions.
The BAO Agenda 2026 Group however urged Ekiti residents to disregard Mrs. Ogun’s sensationalism. Stating that her statements reek of political desperation, not genuine concern. Governor Oyebanji’s track record of transparency,inclusivity, and people-focused governance speaks louder than the PDP’s recycled falsehoods.
Ekiti’s march toward prosperity is unstoppable, and no amount of propaganda will derail it.
