By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the Osun State Commissioner of Police to stop the ongoing imposition of illegal taxes on market operators and the forgery of council documents by the sacked APC council chairmen.

Adeleke, who described the criminal activities perpetrated by the sacked Yes and No local government chairmen as unwelcome, said their behaviour is contrary to the development of the state and inimical to the sustenance of law and order at the grassroots.

The governor gave the order in a press statement made available to newsmen by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday.

He further instructed the Commissioner of Police to invite the affected council chairmen for questioning over the falsification of council documents, collection of dubious revenue through illegal documents, and the imposition and collection of illegal taxes from market operators.

The governor cited various reports of such illegalities, especially from Boripe Local Government, saying such activities not only breach clear provisions of the law but also constitute an affront to the judiciary, to which the APC has filed an appeal over the sacking of its Yes/No chairmen.

In his directive to the Commissioner of Police, the governor referenced Boripe Local Government, where the court-sacked chairman allegedly inaugurated a revenue task force that forged and printed council documents purportedly for internally generated revenue (IGR).

He noted that the same illegal task force officials have begun issuing fake documents—such as local government identification letters and market revenue receipts—to members of the public.

He directed the Commissioner of Police to intervene before any breakdown of law and order occurs.

Adeleke further directed his Special Adviser on Security to liaise with the police boss to ensure the implementation of the directive.

He expressed shock at the brazen imposition of hardship and suffering on the people through illegal revenue and tax collections.

“Is this the reason for the illegal occupation of local government secretariats? Is this all about extorting the people and imposing pain and suffering on them? This must stop forthwith.

“We alert the public to this new round of illegality on a sub judice matter. I have directed the police authorities accordingly. Forging council documents and collecting revenue illegally are punishable offences under the law. Any person caught in such acts will face the full wrath of the law,” the governor was quoted as saying in the statement.