By John Dike, Osogbo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has asked the Chief of Staff to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, to resign immediately over his alleged involvement in a N13.7 billion payroll fraud that has sparked widespread public outrage.
It alleged in a statement on Friday by its spokesman, Kola Olabisi that Akinleye is the “worst public officer” to occupy the office of Chief of Staff in Osun State since its creation 34 years ago.
Also, the party cited a viral revelation by Saadat Ottun, Vice Chairman and CEO of Sally Tibbot Consulting Limited, implicating Akinleye in the alleged payroll scandal, as evidence of gross administrative incompetence.
According to the APC, the controversy exposes the “waning and unpopular” state administration, attributing the government’s failures to the “deficiency in managerial skills” among key officials, particularly the Chief of Staff.
The statement also criticized Akinleye for reportedly using abusive language in interactions with the consulting firm, describing his conduct as “raw, crude, rude, and unpolished,” and unbefitting of his office.
“The fact that a character like Akinleye could occupy such a sensitive office is an insult to the sensibilities of the vibrant and well-educated people of Osun State,” the statement read.
It accused him of exploiting the administrative shortcomings of Governor Ademola Adeleke to act as a “plenipotentiary” Chief of Staff, turning the office into a tool for self-enrichment and political patronage.
The APC further compared Akinleye unfavorably with previous Chiefs of Staff in the state, including Elder Peter Babalola under former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola under former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, noting a sharp contrast in competence, integrity, and professionalism.
The party said that Akinleye’s actions over the past three years have brought “monumental shame” to Osun State and reiterated its demand that he tender his resignation without further delay.
