N13.7bn payroll fraud: Osun APC Calls for Probe of Adeleke’s Government

News Update

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has dragged Dr Deji Adeleke into the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged ₦13 billion ghost workers fraud in the state’s civil service payroll.

Osun APC In a Press conference on Friday, the opposition party accused Dr Adeleke of interfering in the staff audit process initiated by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleging that his involvement raises questions about the transparency of the exercise.

The APC claimed that the audit report uncovered thousands of ghost workers and pensioners, resulting in alleged financial irregularities running into billions of naira.

The party further called on anti-corruption agencies to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the matter to ascertain the authenticity of the figures and determine culpability.

According to him, Dr Adeleke’s reported intervention in meetings between the state government and the audit consultant suggests undue influence in what should have been a purely administrative and technical process.

However, the Osun State Government has consistently denied allegations of a ₦13 billion payroll fraud. The government described the claims as politically motivated and part of a smear campaign aimed at discrediting the administration.

The state had earlier maintained that Governor Adeleke welcomed scrutiny from anti-graft agencies, insisting that the staff audit was commissioned to address inherited payroll irregularities. Officials also argued that discrepancies in the consultant’s report were identified during a review process, leading to questions about the accuracy of the figures initially presented.

The controversy continues to generate debate across the state’s political landscape, with both the ruling party and the opposition trading accusations over the management and outcome of the staff audit exercise.

Observers say the involvement of anti-corruption agencies may ultimately determine the credibility of the competing claims and bring clarity to the dispute.