BREAKING: APC Alleges N13.7bn Payroll Fraud in Osun, Demands Probe of Adeleke Administration

 

By OrionTimes Political Desk

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday raised alarm over an alleged N13.7 billion annual payroll fraud under the administration of Ademola Adeleke, calling on anti-corruption agencies to immediately investigate the matter.

Addressing a world press conference held on February 20, 2026,

at the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office along Gbongan-Osogbo Road in Osogbo, the Osun APC Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, described the allegation as “mind-boggling” and a grave indictment of the current administration.

Lawal said the alleged fraud was uncovered in an audit reportedly conducted by Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, whose Vice Chairman (Chief Executive Officer), Saadat Ottun, had disclosed findings suggesting massive irregularities in the state’s payroll system.

Allegations of Complicity

The APC chairman alleged that the development raised serious concerns about the structure of authority within the Adeleke administration. He claimed that individuals within the governor’s inner circle, including the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, and businessman Dr Deji Adeleke, were allegedly linked to the handling of the audit report.

According to Lawal, it was troubling that the audit findings were reportedly presented to Dr Deji Adeleke rather than being transparently addressed through official government channels. He questioned what role, if any, the businessman plays in the verification of state documents.

The opposition party further alleged that a civil servant under the current administration may have been receiving salaries meant for 5,615 government workers through multiple bank accounts, if the audit report is accurate.

“If these claims are true and identities have been uncovered, the continued inaction would be indefensible,” Lawal stated, urging the government to publicly clarify its position.

Call for Federal Investigation

The APC called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch an independent and thorough investigation into the alleged payroll fraud.

Lawal also raised concerns about the reported out-of-contract purchase of an Automated Payroll Administrative System (APAS) valued at N79 million, for which payment was allegedly made without formal acceptance of delivery.

He argued that the alleged N13.7 billion lost annually to payroll irregularities could instead be redirected toward youth empowerment and social development programmes across Osun State.

Government Yet to Respond

As of the time of filing this report, the Osun State Government had not issued an official statement in response to the APC’s allegations.

The allegations mark a fresh escalation in the political tension between the ruling administration in Osun and the opposition APC, with the latter insisting that transparency and accountability must prevail in the management of public funds.

The coming days are expected to test the strength of the state’s institutional mechanisms as citizens await official clarifications and possible action from relevant authorities.