The Aare of Ofikiland, Oba Gbenga Adigun Adéòye Oyetunji Oyinlola II, has condemned recent calls for the recall of the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, describing the campaign as a coordinated attempt by ‘tax evader cabals’ to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement issued from his palace in ATISBO Local Government Area of Oyo State, the monarch expressed shock over publications circulating online which sought to cast doubts on Dr. Adedeji’s performance and loyalty to the administration.
He said the calls were not only “demeaning” but represented “a strategic setback agenda” orchestrated by groups threatened by ongoing tax reforms.
“It beat my imagination when I read a publication calling for the recall of Dr. Zacchaeus Adedeji, the FIRS boss,” the monarch said.
“The call is demeaning and clearly a strategic setback agenda pushed by certain ‘tax evader cabals’ who are not happy with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.”
Oba Adigun urged President Tinubu to completely disregard the recall campaign, stressing that Dr. Adedeji remains one of the most competent young technocrats driving fiscal reforms and supporting the administration’s economic recovery efforts.
“I call on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to jettison this call while encouraging Dr. Zacch to remain focused,” he stated. “Of course, he is one of the best young technocrats helping this administration to get it right. May Almighty God protect him and continue to guide him right.”
Beyond defending the FIRS chairman, the Aare of Ofiki also used the opportunity to call on both state and federal authorities, particularly the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, to support the annual Alawo Ekun Festival, a major cultural event in Ofikiland.
He described the festival as an important platform for cultural promotion, heritage preservation, agripreneurship, and religious harmony among residents of the community.
“I call on the State and Federal Ministries of Culture and Tourism to support the Alawo Ekun Festival,” he appealed. “It is an annual festival showcasing cultural promotion, preservation, agripreneurial opportunities and religious tolerance among my subjects and dwellers in Ofiki Kingdom.”
