The Oyo State Government has raised concerns over alleged extortion of pensioners by individuals claiming to be government officials during the processing of gratuity payments.
The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, made this known in a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday, January 16. He warned that criminal networks were exploiting vulnerable retirees by demanding illegal payments in exchange for speeding up the release of their gratuities.
Oyelade said the administration is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the payment of retirement benefits, stressing that the current process is more open and efficient than those operated by previous governments.
According to him, a cartel operating within the civil service has been identified, with retired civil and public servants allegedly being asked to part with between five and ten per cent of their gratuities to “facilitate” payment.
He described the practice as an entrenched problem that has persisted for years, noting that it predates the current administration. Oyelade recalled that similar complaints were recorded during the tenure of former Governor Lam Adesina and have continued to affect unsuspecting pensioners.
The commissioner said government authorities are closing in on those involved, adding that the perpetrators and their collaborators are aware of their actions. He expressed concern that despite repeated public warnings, some retirees still fall prey to the fraudulent scheme.
He further disclosed that the alleged extortion affects both state and local government pensioners, assuring that the government remains determined to dismantle the cartel and protect pensioners from further exploitation.
