The Oyo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has commended the governor of the state, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for abolishing the controversial taxes imposed on religious organisations by the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
The governor, at the weekend through his Executive Assistant, Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe, declared that since churches and mosques are not profit making ventures, it would be wrong to demand taxes from them.
According to Daily Trust, Ogedengbe made the statement during the thanksgiving mass organized to celebrate the 70th birthday of the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, held at the Church of Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan.
Commending the governor on the development, the state chairman of CAN, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, described the action as ‘’seed sowing and worthy of emulation by all aspiring to make heaven’’.
He said: “With that singular act, the governor has directly traded with God, it is another way of sowing seed in God’s vineyard, you know, such seed will germinate, grow and bring forth seed in million folds. Our God does not owe anyone, He will surely prosper Makinde’s administration and life.
“The pressure on me when the idea of taxing religion houses was first brought up by the last administration was just unbearable, I was helpless. Religious leaders were not willing to accept anything else then, but absolute abrogation of the idea. Meanwhile, the administration of Ajimobi was adamant; very unrepentant and made all my efforts appear unproductive.”
