The tax demand by the Lagos Internal Revenue Service and its counterpart in Ogun State from the winner of the 2020 edition of the Big Brother Nigeria reality TV show, Olamilekan ‘Laycon’ Agbeleshe has met with mixed reactions among Nigerians.
The agencies made their demands known while congratulating Laycon over his victory.
Congratulations @itsLaycon ???????? Winner @BBNaija Lockdown edition. More wins!!???????? We look forward to seeing you in Y2021 as you #payyourtax ????
— Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) (@lirsgovng) September 28, 2020
A few hours after the LIRS asked the rapper to pay his tax to Lagos State, the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service also tweeted a similar post encouraging the celebrity to pay his tax to Ogun State.
“The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service is delighted to congratulate one of our own in the State, Olamilekan Agbelesebioba, AKA @itsLaycon for emerging winner of @BBNaija Lockdown. We look forward to having a robust relationship with you in year 2021 as you pay your tax,” it tweeted.
“Congratulations @itsLaycon winner @BBNaija Lockdown edition. More wins!! We look forward to seeing you in Y2021 as you #payyourtax,” LIRS tweeted.
The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) is delighted to congratulate one of our own in the State, Olamilekan Agbelesebioba, AKA @itsLaycon for emerging winner of @BBNaija Lockdown. We look forward to having a robust relationship with you in year 2021 as you pay your tax.
— OGIRS (@ogirshq) September 29, 2020
Nigerians have however reacted to the demand of tax payment by the agencies. While some commended the actions, some believed it is wrong to demand for tax from winnings.
@maisinglez says “it is interesting how @lirsgovng @firsNigeria and other tax authorities are using their social media handles to create awareness to the public. As citizens we need to always hold our leaders accountable for the taxes collected. #payyourtax #itpaystopayyourtax”
@solomonapenja “A responsible citizen should pay taxes when a govt is equally responsible with its utilisation of taxes Why should anyone pay taxes so the governor, his family and his political lords can live la vida loca while inner city roads are left dilapidated? Has Lagos been responsible?”
A twitter user, Sola Adeniyi @akanbi2k said, “Can you prove that Laycon worked for the 85m ? It’s a cash gift for participating in a show BBN is not his occupation. If the 85m cannot be classified as an income, then it is not taxable! You tax income, not gifts!”
Reacting to the message by the Ogun Internal revenue service, a twitter user, Dumebi @Pebidiwan said, “Is this even legal? Did he earn the money in Ogun state? Does @itsLaycon live in Ogun state? Why then do you want him to pay tax to the state because he’s from the state?”
On his part, Olayinka Mustapha, @Olafocus1 said, “So, this has now turned to competition with LIRS. Good to pay tax, better to have govt fix our terrible roads, at least to have a feel that we have govt.”
Laycon has however not responded to any of the demand, he has continued to appreciate his fans, ‘icons’ for their support.