Members of the Osun State caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives have called for a comprehensive investigation into alleged payroll fraud in the state, following claims linked to a leaked audio involving the Chief of Staff to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Kazeem Akinleye, and an audit consultant.

The caucus in a statement in Abuja, noted that they were alarmed by revelations from a payroll audit conducted by Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, engaged by the Osun State Government to review its workforce records.

The statement was 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 uncovered widespread irregularities, including the presence of about 15,000 ghost workers on the state payroll.

The lawmakers said the findings supported their long-standing concerns about what they described as opacity, corruption and financial mismanagement under the current administration.

They added that repeated calls for transparency in the management of public funds had gone unheeded, noting that the alleged discoveries reinforced what they termed the “patriotic decision” of some members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC, citing refusal to be complicit in alleged irregularities.

The caucus further alleged that a single Bank Verification Number (BVN) was used to receive salary payments for at least 5,615 workers.

They said the claim raised serious questions about accountability within government circles, naming businessman Deji Adeleke and Chief of Staff Kazeem Akinleye.

The lawmakers also referenced a clarification reportedly made by the consulting firm on a national television programme, stating that the audit covered payroll transactions from January 2023 to June 2024 and was unrelated to the administration of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

They said this clarification countered attempts to shift responsibility.

Describing the reported leaked audio conversation between an official of the consulting firm and Akinleye as disturbing, the caucus alleged it suggested efforts to intimidate forensic auditors and suppress findings on financial improprieties within the Osun State Government.

They questioned Deji Adeleke’s alleged role in the audit process, claiming the consulting firm deferred to him before submitting its report rather than reporting directly to the governor. According to the caucus, this had fuelled public perception that the governor was a figurehead while his brother wielded significant influence over governance.

The lawmakers demanded immediate explanations from Governor Adeleke, Deji Adeleke, Akinleye and other officials over what they described as a ghost workers scandal.

They also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate all individuals who may have colluded or aided the alleged fraud.

The caucus stressed that the people of Osun State deserve transparent leadership and prudent management of public resources, insisting that anyone found culpable should be held accountable under the law, regardless of status. (The Guardian)