There’s growing tension in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State as the Council authorities have reportedly issued a seven-day ultimatum to business owners within the locality to commence payment of a N100,000 development levy. The directive, which surfaced over the weekend, has triggered outrage from local entrepreneurs and residents, with many describing it as oppressive and insensitive to the current economic realities.
A concerned business owner who spoke to Akelicious on condition of anonymity disclosed that officials from the local government approached traders, shop owners, and artisans, informing them of the new levy. According to him, when most protested the amount, they were urged to “negotiate” with the council authorities.
“The chairman’s people came around, telling us we must pay N100,000 for development fee within seven days. When we expressed shock, they asked us to negotiate the price if we couldn’t meet the amount,” he lamented.
The development has since sparked reactions across social media platforms, with netizens recalling how a similar attempt to impose levies on Point of Sale (POS) operators and other small businesses was denied by the local government a few months ago following public outcry.
“Development levy? The last time it was POS users and others — although it was denied when raised,” one user wrote.
Critics argue that the levy contradicts the recently signed Ondo State Tax Bill, which reportedly exempts small and medium-scale businesses from multiple taxes and levies deemed obnoxious. Many also berated the council for what they termed misplaced priorities, insisting that rather than overburdening residents with taxes, the local government should channel its energy toward advocating for full financial autonomy and better infrastructure for the community.
Public affairs commentators and civil society groups have, however, called on the Ondo State Government and relevant agencies to intervene, describing the demand as “illegal and exploitative.”
