The Lagos State Government has issued a stern ultimatum to renowned Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, demanding payment of N18,640,092.00 as her personal income tax within a period of seven days, failing which she may face imprisonment.
In a letter sent to the actress, the Lagos government accused her of owing N7,376,000.00 for the 2022 tax year and an additional N11,264,092 in back taxes for 2021.
Reacting to the letter on Monday, Iyabo Ojo expressed her disapproval of the method employed to determine the exorbitant tax bill she received. She took to her Instagram page to share a picture of the bill and expressed her concerns.
Addressing the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Jide Sanwoolu, and the Lagos State Government, she wrote: “@jidesanwoolu @lagosstategovt, please explain how you arrive at these outrageous personal income taxes that you constantly send. After fulfilling various tax obligations for my businesses and properties, you still impose these substantial amounts and demand payment within a mere 7 days, which is quite amusing.
“Previously, when you requested me to visit your office, I complied and explained and declared my earnings with the assistance of my tax consultant. However, you did not respond to my letter and instead insist on an exorbitant payment that I am unable to make. Should I resort to theft? I ask again, ‘How do you arrive at such exorbitant bills?’
“What contributions have you made to my well-being as a government? Absolutely nothing. If you persist, feel free to shut down my business, arrest me, imprison me, or even end my life if that’s what you desire. We will all perish one day.”