Popular Yoruba Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, has taken a stand against the exorbitant tax levy imposed on her by the Lagos State Government. She received a staggering bill of N18,640,092 from the Lagos Internal Revenue Service, accompanied by a seven-day ultimatum to make the payment. However, Ojo has boldly declared that she will not pay the tax and is willing to face arrest if necessary, as she finds the methodology behind the frequent issuance of such tax levies puzzling.
In a now-deleted post on her verified Instagram handle, Ojo expressed her bewilderment at the outrageous personal income taxes sent to her on a daily basis by the Lagos State Government. She pointed out that she has already paid various types of taxes for her businesses and properties, yet the government continues to present her with exorbitant amounts and demands payment within a short period of time.
Ojo shared her experience of visiting the office of the LIRS to provide a detailed explanation of her earnings as a businesswoman, only to receive an excessive levy from the state government. Frustrated, she questioned the methodology employed to calculate such outrageous bills and sarcastically asked if she should resort to theft. She also questioned what the government has done to improve her life, considering that she has single-handedly raised her children and supported others without any assistance from the government.
Expressing her dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in the country, Ojo criticized the government for taking from those who have not received any benefits. She boldly stated that the government is free to arrest her, imprison her, or even shut down her business because she refuses to pay the levy.
The Lagos Internal Revenue Service had initially requested that the Yoruba actress pay a total of N18,640,092.00 as personal income tax within a week, warning her of the consequences of defaulting. According to the Lagos government, Ojo has 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.
Ojo's refusal to comply with the tax demand has sparked conversations about the fairness and transparency of the tax system. Many individuals have shown support for her stance, echoing their own frustrations with high tax burdens and the lack of visible government benefits. This bold move by the popular actress brings attention to the need for a more equitable and reasonable approach to taxation, encouraging a broader discussion on the responsibilities of citizens and the accountability of the government.
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