Osun APC Seeks Probe of Adeleke Over Alleged N13bn Payroll Fraud

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate an alleged N13 billion payroll fraud involving the state government and a consulting firm, Sally Tibbot Limited. The party made the demand on Friday in Osogbo during a press briefing.

Speaking on behalf of the party, its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, said the probe is necessary to determine the level of involvement of all persons connected to the matter.

The controversy followed a disagreement between the state government and the Chief Executive Officer of Sally Tibbot Limited, Sa’adat Bakrin-Ottun, over the implementation of a staff audit report carried out for the Adeleke administration.

The APC questioned the handling of the audit findings by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration. The party raised concerns about reports that the audit document was presented to Dr Deji Adeleke, a member of the Adeleke family, instead of being handled directly through official government channels.

The opposition party asked what formal role Dr Deji Adeleke plays in the affairs of the state government, especially in relation to official documents and payroll verification.

The party also mentioned the name of Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye while urging anti-corruption agencies to look into the matter and establish the facts surrounding the alleged fraud.

In response, the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party defended Governor Adeleke and rejected the claims by the APC.

The PDP described the opposition’s position as an attempt to defend a consultant whose report, according to the party, failed verification checks.

The PDP argued that if there is any wrongdoing to examine, attention should be directed at payroll issues inherited from the previous administration. The party maintained that the current government is working to reform and clean up the payroll system.

The PDP further stated that it has confidence in the governor’s commitment to accountability and expressed readiness for any lawful investigation that would bring clarity to the situation.