The Executive Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Mr. Olaniran Olatona, has attributed part of the Service’s success to the cordial relationship between the tax authority and the traditional institution in Ekiti State.
Mr. Olatona stated this on Thursday, August 13, 2026, while presenting the Tax Clearance Certificate to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, CON, at the Monarch’s Palace in Ado-Ekiti.
The EKIRS Chairman acknowledged the significant role played by traditional rulers in mobilising their subjects to fulfil their tax obligations, noting that their influence and leadership remain critical to promoting voluntary tax compliance.
He commended the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti for his consistent commitment to fulfilling his tax obligations as and when due, describing the Monarch’s example as a strong encouragement to other taxpayers. According to him, the Ewi’s compliance has not only demonstrated exemplary leadership, but has also helped to deepen the trust between the tax authority and taxpayers.
Mr. Olatona further disclosed that EKIRS is making plans to provide businesses in Ekiti State with opportunities to participate in free seminars focused on business advancement and financial management. He added that staff of the Service are also willing to provide free tax education to businesses.
The EKIRS Chairman also dismissed the perception that the Service is determined to overburden businesses with taxes, stressing that the survival and growth of businesses remain important to the sustainability of the tax system. “If we kill businesses this year, who are we going to tax next year?” he asked rhetorically.
Mr. Olatona particularly expressed appreciation to the Ewi for his intervention in dousing the tension that recently arose from the service of Notices of Assessment on some business entities in Ado-Ekiti. He also conveyed the gratitude of the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, to the Monarch for his constant support.
The Executive Chairman described it as an honour to personally present the Monarch’s Tax Clearance Certificate, noting that personally delivering the certificate to the Ewi had become his usual practice.
Responding, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe, appealed to the EKIRS Chairman to intensify public sensitisation and enlightenment efforts to further improve tax compliance across the State. The Monarch urged Mr. Olatona not to be distracted by naysayers, but to remain open to receiving and addressing genuine complaints from taxpayers. He thereafter prayed for the EKIRS Chairman and the entire staff of the Service.
