Seven Ado-Odo/Ota Councillors Face Backlash For Opposing Rate Hike Bill

OTA, ADO-ODO/OTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Seven councillors from the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State are facing a wave of condemnation following their decision to vote against a proposed bill seeking to increase local government rates and levies.

The controversial bill, which aimed to revise upward several taxes, levies, and rates for residents, traders, and business owners across the local government, were defeated after a 7-5 vote against its passage.

It was alleged that the bill was an “order from above” and was sponsored by one of the councillors.

Despite claims that the bill would help boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for infrastructural development and improved service delivery, the majority of councillors opposed it, citing the severe economic hardship currently facing Nigerians – particularly residents of Ado-Odo/Ota.

The seven councillors maintained that passing the bill would only impose an additional burden on struggling citizens.

“The current economic reality makes this proposal untimely and unjust. People are already grappling with inflation and high costs of living; taxing them further is simply unfair”, one councillor said.

The councillors argued that the bill should be suspended indefinitely in order to protect the wellbeing of their constituents.

However, their stance has sparked disapproval from some of their colleagues and other political figures within the local government, who believe the decision was shortsighted.

According to one of the councillors who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the group has been receiving numerous calls criticizing their position and pressuring them to reconsider.

As the debate continued, public attention remains focused on the outcome and potential consequences for grassroots governance in Ado-Odo/Ota.