Payroll fraud: Osun govt urges consultant to face anti-graft probe
Governor of Osun State Calls for Evidence Submission in Payroll Review Investigation
Osogbo, Osun State — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has urged payroll consultant Sally Tibbot to present any evidence she may have to anti-corruption agencies currently investigating alleged irregularities in the state’s payroll review process.
In a statement released on Wednesday, spokesperson Olawale Rasheed emphasized that the ongoing investigations should be allowed to proceed without what he termed a “media trial.” Rasheed’s comments follow a television interview in which Tibbot and her attorney, Jiti Ogunye, made allegations against high-ranking officials in the state government.
Rasheed highlighted that the matter has been referred to anti-corruption bodies, and any further information should be submitted directly to investigators rather than discussed in public forums. He also questioned the lack of an opportunity for the state government to respond during the televised interview.
“The issues raised are currently before the appropriate anti-graft agencies. If there is further evidence beyond the submitted reports, such materials should be handed over to the investigators,” he stated.
The statement also addressed the criticisms directed at Kazeem Akinleye, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, who was mentioned in the consultant’s remarks. Rasheed defended Akinleye, asserting that he acted in accordance with his official duties during the payroll audit. He characterized Akinleye’s role as that of a gatekeeper ensuring adherence to proper procedures.
Rasheed clarified that Tibbot’s firm was retained in January 2023, shortly following the current administration’s assumption of office, and noted that the audit report pertains to the payroll inherited from the previous administration. “She acknowledged in her report that thousands of workers were added to the payroll under the past administration. The audited payroll reflected the situation as it existed before the current government commenced its review,” he explained.
The spokesperson further alleged that the unauthorized circulation of recorded phone conversations represents a violation of applicable laws and indicated that legal action is being considered.
In defense of the administration’s actions, Rasheed asserted that the governor and his team have taken steps to prevent irregular recommendations that could negatively impact legitimate workers. “The Chief of Staff stood firm in defense of due process and the rule of law. The administration remains committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public resources,” he said.
Rasheed concluded by reiterating the necessity for cooperation from all parties involved in the ongoing investigation, assuring that the government would adhere to the findings of the probe.
