Osun APC Raises Alarm Over ₦13.7bn Payroll Fraud, Demands Full Probe Of Adeleke’s Government

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged anti-corruption agencies to launch an immediate investigation into what it described as a staggering ₦13.7 billion annual payroll fraud allegedly occurring under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The opposition party accused the Adeleke-led government of overseeing a large-scale ghost worker scheme and protecting individuals allegedly linked to the reported irregularities.

Speaking to journalists in Osogbo on Thursday, Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal based the party’s call on claims attributed to Saadat Ottun, Vice Chairman (CEO) of Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited. According to Lawal, Ottun revealed discrepancies uncovered during a staff audit reportedly conducted for the state government.

He alleged that the audit exposed an annual payroll fraud amounting to ₦13.7 billion and claimed that a civil servant under the current administration had been receiving salaries meant for 5,615 workers through a single bank account.

Lawal described the allegation as alarming and criticized the state government for allegedly failing to take action despite the audit report reportedly being submitted in July 2024.

“The disturbing revelation of an alleged ₦13.7 billion annual payroll fraud once again validates our concerns over the last three years of Senator Ademola Adeleke’s administration,” Lawal stated. He further accused the government of corruption and called on anti-graft agencies to thoroughly investigate and prosecute anyone found culpable.

The APC chairman also alleged the involvement of senior figures within the administration, including Dr. Deji Adeleke and the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye. He claimed their alleged roles raised serious concerns about accountability and possible collusion within the state’s leadership.

The party urged anti-corruption bodies to immediately scrutinize the state’s payroll system and ensure that individuals linked to any wrongdoing are brought to justice. It also questioned why no public action had reportedly been taken despite claims that individuals operating multiple bank accounts tied to payroll discrepancies had been identified.

“Osun Is Bleeding”

Addressing reporters, Lawal painted a bleak picture of the state’s condition, alleging that Osun was facing significant challenges under the current administration.

He further claimed that despite identifying individuals allegedly connected to payroll irregularities, the government had not taken decisive public action.

Questions Over Audit Process

Lawal also raised concerns about the handling of the audit report, questioning reports that Dr. Deji Adeleke was presented with the findings. He queried what official capacity he held in reviewing government documents and called for clarity on the structure of authority within the administration.

He further questioned the role of Chief of Staff Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, who reportedly heads the implementation committee for the audit findings, asking whether the situation suggested possible complicity at senior levels.

The APC chairman called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct what he described as a thorough and transparent investigation into the allegations.

Lawal also criticized the administration over previous decisions to dismiss teachers and health workers recruited by the former APC government, citing financial constraints, while alleging that substantial funds may have been diverted through payroll irregularities.

₦79 Million Payroll System Allegation

Additionally, Lawal referenced an alleged out-of-contract procurement of a ₦79 million Automated Payroll Administrative System, claiming payment was reportedly made without proper delivery. He called for clarification on the matter.

He criticized what he described as the state government’s denial of the allegations, arguing that transparency and accountability were necessary to restore public confidence.

According to Lawal, funds allegedly lost to ghost workers could have been redirected toward youth empowerment and developmental initiatives in the state.

As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Government had not issued an official response to the fresh allegations.