Osun APC Reps Caucus Seeks Full-Scale Inquiry into Alleged Payroll Fraud
*Points to Audit Report
Juliet Akoje In Abuja.
Members of the Osun State caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the National Assembly have called for a comprehensive probe into an alleged payroll fraud in the state.
They described as criminal and unacceptable the reported contents of a leaked audio involving the Chief of Staff to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Kazeem Akinleye, and an audit consultant.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the caucus expressed grave concern over disclosures stemming from a payroll audit carried out by Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, the consulting firm contracted by the Osun State Government to examine its workforce records.
The statement was jointly endorsed by Hon. Oluwole Oke (Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency), Hon. Olusanya Omirin (Ijesa South Federal Constituency), and Hon. Abimbola Ajilesoro (Ife Federal Constituency).
According to the lawmakers, the audit reportedly revealed extensive irregularities, notably the presence of approximately 15,000 ghost workers on the state’s payroll.
They argued that the findings validated their longstanding allegations of secrecy, corruption, and financial mismanagement under the present administration.
The caucus noted that it had consistently voiced concerns over the transparency of public fund management in Osun State.
It said the recent revelations substantiated those warnings and justified what it termed the “patriotic decision” of certain lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, insisting their defection was motivated by a refusal to be associated with alleged financial irregularities.
The lawmakers further claimed that a single Bank Verification Number was linked to salary payments for no fewer than 5,615 workers, describing the allegation as one that raised critical questions about accountability and integrity within government circles.
They referenced businessman Deji Adeleke and Chief of Staff Kazeem Akinleye in this regard.
They also cited a clarification reportedly made by the consulting firm during a national television appearance, stating that the audit spanned payroll transactions from January 2023 to June 2024 did not involve the tenure of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
The caucus said this clarification debunked what it described as attempts to shift blame through propaganda.
Describing the leaked audio conversation between an official of the consulting firm and Akinleye as troubling and highly inappropriate, the caucus alleged that the exchange pointed to efforts to pressure forensic auditors and conceal findings relating to suspected financial misconduct within the Osun State Government.
The lawmakers also questioned the alleged involvement of Deji Adeleke in the audit process, claiming the consulting firm was required to seek his input before submitting its report instead of reporting directly to the governor.
They contended that this development had reinforced public perception that the governor was merely a figurehead while his brother wielded considerable influence over state affairs.
Calling the situation a ghost workers scandal, the caucus demanded immediate clarification from Governor Adeleke, Deji Adeleke, Akinleye, and other concerned officials.
They further urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the governor, his aides, and any other officials who may have collaborated in or facilitated the alleged payroll fraud.
The caucus maintained that the citizens of Osun State are entitled to open governance and responsible stewardship of public funds, stressing that anyone found guilty should face legal consequences, irrespective of their position or influence.
