Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered Osun State’s Police Commissioner to halt illegal taxation and forgery by ousted council leaders.
Following reports of fake levies and document fraud, he warned these acts harm grassroots governance and public trust.
Meanwhile, spokesperson Olawale Rasheed confirmed the directive via the state’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, urging swift enforcement.
Adeleke stressed these acts violate state laws and undermine ongoing APC appeals over dismissed chairmen’s legitimacy.
Specifically, dismissed chairmen in Boripe Local Government allegedly created rogue taskforces issuing counterfeit tax receipts and IDs.
These groups reportedly targeted market traders, forging documents to siphon funds under false pretenses.
“How dare they occupy secretariats just to extort citizens?” Adeleke demanded, linking illegal seizures to public suffering.
He vowed to end exploitation, ordering police to partner with his security adviser for immediate crackdowns.
Additionally, he alerted citizens about forging documents or collecting taxes illegally while courts review the chairmen’s dismissal.
Anyone caught manipulating revenue systems risks prosecution, the governor warned, reaffirming his commitment to lawful governance.
The governor’s crackdown reflects his broader pledge to curb corruption and shield residents from predatory practices.
Osun State authorities now collaborate with security agencies to dismantle illicit networks and restore accountability locally.
This proactive response follows rising complaints about fraudulent levies straining small businesses and vulnerable communities statewide.
Adeleke emphasized that such exploitation contradicts his administration’s agenda for equitable development and transparency.
By confronting these abuses head-on, Adeleke aims to reinforce judicial authority and stabilize grassroots administration.
Residents have largely praised the move, though some urge tighter oversight to prevent future recurrences.
Critics argue the dismissed chairmen exploited legal loopholes amid delayed court resolutions, worsening public distrust.
Civil society groups now demand faster judicial processes to deter similar misconduct elsewhere.
As investigations proceed, the state government pledges transparency while prioritizing citizens’ welfare over political maneuvering.
Adeleke’s team has also launched awareness campaigns to educate locals on reporting illegal tax demands.
The crackdown coincides with broader efforts to streamline revenue collection and digitize payment systems statewide.
Officials believe technology will reduce human interference and curb forgery risks in the long term.
Ultimately, Adeleke’s firm stance signals zero tolerance for lawlessness, aligning with his agenda for systemic reform.
The case highlights ongoing struggles to balance local autonomy with preventing power abuses in Nigerian governance.
Observers note that sustained enforcement, not just directives, will determine whether illegal practices are permanently eradicated.
For now, affected communities await tangible results as authorities intensify raids on illicit operations.