Osun APC Reps Demand Probe Into Alleged 15,000 Ghost Workers
Members of the Osun State caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives have called for a full-scale investigation into alleged payroll fraud in the state, citing claims arising from a workforce audit and a purported leaked audio involving the Chief of Staff to Governor Ademola Adeleke.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the lawmakers said they were disturbed by reported findings from a payroll review conducted by Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, a firm engaged by the Osun State Government to examine its personnel records.
The statement was jointly signed 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 caucus, the audit allegedly identified significant irregularities in the state’s payroll system, including the existence of about 15,000 ghost workers.
They argued that the reported discoveries validated their longstanding concerns about alleged lack of transparency and financial mismanagement under the present administration.
The lawmakers further claimed that a single Bank Verification Number (BVN) was allegedly linked to salary payments for no fewer than 5,615 workers, a development they described as raising serious accountability issues within the state government.
They referenced businessman Deji Adeleke and the governor’s Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye, in connection with the controversy.
The caucus also cited comments reportedly made by the consulting firm during a national television appearance, clarifying that the audit covered payroll transactions between January 2023 and June 2024 and did not relate to the tenure of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola. The lawmakers said this clarification contradicted alleged attempts to shift responsibility to the previous administration.
They described as troubling a leaked audio said to involve an official of the consulting firm and Akinleye, alleging that it suggested attempts to pressure or intimidate forensic auditors and suppress findings concerning alleged financial improprieties.
The caucus also questioned what it described as Deji Adeleke’s purported involvement in the audit process, alleging that the consulting firm allegedly consulted him before submitting its report instead of reporting directly to the governor. According to the lawmakers, this had fueled perceptions that decision-making authority in the state extended beyond official structures.
Calling the matter a “ghost workers scandal,” the caucus demanded explanations from Governor Adeleke, Deji Adeleke, Akinleye and other relevant officials.
They further urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch thorough investigations into any individuals who may have been involved in or facilitated the alleged fraud.
The lawmakers maintained that Osun residents are entitled to transparent governance and prudent management of public funds, insisting that anyone found culpable, regardless of position, should be brought to justice.
