Adeleke Supports Anti-Graft Review of Osun Payroll Audit
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed support for calls by forensic audit firm, Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to review the controversial staff audit report in the state.
The development follows weeks of public disagreement between the Osun State Government and the consultant over allegations that 8,452 ghost workers were illegally inserted into the state’s payroll.
Audit Focused on Oyetola-Era Payroll, Adeleke Says
In a statement released on Saturday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke clarified that any independent review by anti-graft agencies should focus strictly on the payroll and personnel structure inherited from the previous administration of former governor Gboyega Oyetola.
According to Adeleke, his administration has not expanded the workforce or altered the payroll structure it met on ground.
“Our administration did not and has not expanded the personnel and payroll structures inherited from the last administration. The audit specifically covers the payroll and personnel structure from Oyetola’s time,” the governor stated.
Governor Defends Rejection of Consultant’s Recommendations
Adeleke also defended his decision to reject parts of Sally Tibbot’s recommendations, insisting that implementing them could have resulted in the unjust removal of legitimate workers.
He argued that his administration chose prudence over actions that could harm civil servants under the guise of reform.
“We stop likely fraud even while pushing to clean up the system,” Adeleke said, adding that protecting genuine workers remained a key priority of his government.
‘Let Oyetola Officials Brace Up’ – Adeleke
Welcoming the involvement of EFCC and ICPC, Adeleke described the move as an opportunity to establish transparency and accountability around the disputed audit.
He stressed that officials who managed Osun State’s payroll under the previous administration should be ready to account for their actions.
“Let the Oyetola administration officials brace up for the exercise,” the governor remarked.
