N13.7bn Ghost-Worker Scandal: Osun Under Siege as Adeleke’s Government Accused of Industrial-Scale Payroll Fraud
Osogbo, February 20, 2026 —
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised the alarm over what it described as a “mind-boggling” ₦13.7 billion annual payroll fraud allegedly perpetrated under the administration of Ademola Adeleke, calling for immediate intervention by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies.
Addressing a world press conference in Osogbo on Thursday, the APC Chairman in Osun State, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, said recent disclosures by Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited had vindicated the opposition’s long-held position that the current government was riddled with corruption, incompetence, and poor oversight.
According to the party, the alleged fraud—said to amount to ₦13.7 billion yearly—was uncovered during a staff audit reportedly conducted by the consulting firm. The APC alleged that the findings exposed systemic payroll manipulation, including payments to thousands of ghost workers, while Osun’s economy continues to struggle under the weight of unemployment and underfunded public services.
The party further alleged the involvement of powerful individuals within the governor’s inner circle, naming Deji Adeleke, a businessman and elder brother to the governor, and Kazeem Akinleye, the Chief of Staff to the Governor. Their alleged roles, the APC said, raised serious concerns about the influence of “non-state actors” in the management of Osun State’s finances.
“Osun is bleeding—terribly bleeding,” the APC chairman declared, accusing the administration of turning the state into what he called “a cesspool of corruption.” He argued that the situation had damaged the state’s reputation nationally and stalled the progress it once enjoyed.
Particularly troubling, the party said, was the claim that the audit report was presented to Dr. Deji Adeleke rather than to the elected governor, raising questions about the real locus of power within the government. “What official role does Dr. Adeleke play in verifying state payroll and financial documents?” the party queried, insisting that Osun people deserve clarity.
The APC also alleged that despite the audit reportedly identifying a civil servant who receives salaries on behalf of 5,615 ghost workers, no decisive action has been taken since the report was allegedly submitted in July 2024. The party questioned why individuals linked to multiple bank accounts flagged in the audit have not been publicly sanctioned.
Adding to the controversy is an alleged ₦79 million Automated Payroll Administrative System (APAS) procurement said to have been paid for without accepted delivery—an issue the APC described as “out-of-contract” and deserving urgent explanation.
The opposition party expressed outrage that the same government which sacked teachers and health workers employed under the previous APC administration—citing lack of funds—could allegedly preside over a scheme where billions are siphoned through ghost salaries.
In its resolution, the APC called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the allegations and prosecute anyone found culpable.
“The ₦13.7 billion allegedly lost to ghost workers annually could transform the lives of over 50,000 Osun youths if judiciously applied,” the party said, urging citizens to rise against what it described as “financial recklessness and economic bleeding” under the current administration.
The press conference was held at the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign Office, along the Gbongan–Osogbo Road, as the APC vowed to continue pressing for accountability and transparent governance in Osun State.
