…Says Farmers, Traders, Transporters Are Being Exploited Through Illegal Roadblocks Across Oyo
The Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has launched a fresh political attack on Governor Seyi Makinde over the alleged failure of his administration to domesticate the Tax Harmonisation Law, accusing the government of allowing illegal revenue collectors to exploit farmers, traders and business owners across the state.
Alli said the continued delay in passing the legislation had worsened the problem of multiple taxation, arbitrary levies and alleged extortion along major commercial routes, particularly those connecting Oyo North with Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO), the APC candidate alleged that individuals parading themselves as government revenue agents had turned major roads into collection points, where farmers transporting agricultural produce and traders conveying goods were subjected to multiple and unauthorised payments.
He described the situation as an unacceptable burden on hardworking residents, warning that the practice was not only impoverishing small-scale business operators but also contributing to the rising prices of essential commodities.
According to him, farmers who already contend with production costs and transportation challenges should not be subjected to additional financial exploitation through illegal road levies, while traders should be allowed to conduct legitimate businesses without repeated harassment at different checkpoints.
Alli argued that the Tax Harmonisation Law would provide the necessary legal and administrative framework to eliminate overlapping taxes, regulate revenue collection and prevent unauthorised individuals from extorting motorists and commercial operators.
He accused the Makinde administration of failing to demonstrate the urgency required to address the situation, despite what he described as the successful passage of similar legislation in several forward-looking states.
The APC candidate, however, made a major campaign commitment ahead of the 2027 governorship election, promising to ensure the passage of the Tax Harmonisation Law within his first 100 days in office if elected governor.
He maintained that Oyo State needed a tax system that would promote prosperity, protect businesses and encourage investment rather than turn transportation routes into avenues for arbitrary revenue collection.
Alli consequently challenged Governor Makinde to demonstrate leadership by facilitating the immediate passage of the legislation, insisting that the economic survival of farmers, traders and ordinary citizens must take precedence over political considerations.
The statement was signed by Bisi Oladele, Director of Media and Publicity, Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation.
