The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has publicly demanded the resignation of Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Chief of Staff to Governor Ademola Adeleke, citing his alleged involvement in a N13.7 billion payroll fraud scandal that has sparked widespread controversy.
In a recent press statement, Kola Olabisi, the APC’s Director of Media and Information, accused Akinleye of actions that have brought “monumental shame” to the state and undermined confidence in the administration. The allegations center on payroll fraud claims initially raised by Saadat Ottun, Vice Chairman and CEO of Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, which have proliferated across social media platforms. Additionally, a leaked audio recording purportedly featuring Akinleye has surfaced, intensifying scrutiny over his official conduct and potential misuse of authority.
The opposition party contended that Governor Adeleke’s governance challenges stem from “grossly deficient managerial skills” among key appointees, with Akinleye singled out as unfit for the sensitive Chief of Staff role. The APC drew sharp comparisons to previous holders of the office, including Elder Peter Babalola under former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Gboyega Oyetola during Rauf Aregbesola’s tenure, asserting that Akinleye’s performance lacks any meaningful alignment with their perceived competence and integrity. “A cursory appraisal of the past Chiefs of Staff in the state revealed that there cannot be any meeting point between them and the incumbent CoS,” the statement noted.
Further, the APC alleged that Akinleye has overstepped his mandate and leveraged his position for personal gain, exacerbating the scandal’s impact on public trust. The party concluded by urging his immediate resignation, stating he has inflicted sufficient damage on the state’s reputation.
This demand heightens political tensions in Osun State, where Governor Adeleke, elected in 2022 from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), faces persistent opposition criticism. The payroll fraud allegations, if investigated, could lead to formal probes and erode the administration’s credibility amid broader concerns about fiscal accountability in Nigerian state governments. As the situation evolves, the governor’s response will likely influence public perception and the evolving political landscape in Nigeria’s southwest region.
