The Oyo State Government on Friday, January 16, raised the alarm over reports that some pensioners are being extorted by individuals posing as government officials during the processing of gratuity payments.
The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a press statement issued in Ibadan, warning that criminal networks are targeting vulnerable retirees within the system.
Oyelade said the current administration is exercising due diligence in the payment of gratuities, stressing that the process is now more transparent and efficient than under previous governments.
According to him, a cartel has been operating within the civil service, extorting retired civil and public servants by demanding between five and ten per cent of their gratuities to fast-track payments.
He described the practice as longstanding, noting that it dates back several administrations.
“The issue has persisted over the years, including during the tenure of former governor, His Excellency Lam Adesina, and continues to affect unsuspecting pensioners to this day,” Oyelade said.
He added that those involved in the extortion and their accomplices are known within the system, lamenting that despite repeated warnings, some retirees still fall victim.
The commissioner noted that the alleged schemes affect both state and local government pensioners.
