The Oyo State Government has raised the alarm over allegations that some retirees are being extorted by individuals posing as government officials during the processing of gratuity payments.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the government has intensified efforts to dismantle a cartel allegedly operating within the civil service.
According to Oyelade, the current administration has strengthened the gratuity payment system and is paying closer attention to due process than previous governments.
“With the present monthly release, over 800 retirees now benefit every month, compared to about 250 beneficiaries recorded in previous years,” he said.
The commissioner revealed that some retired civil and public servants are allegedly being compelled to part with between five and 10 per cent of their gratuities to fast-track payments.
“A cartel has been operating within the system, and the government is closing in on those involved,” Oyelade stated.
Describing the practice as deeply rooted, he said, “This malpractice is unfortunately longstanding. The issue has persisted over the years, even during the tenure of former Governor, His Excellency Lam Adesina, and continues to affect unsuspecting pensioners till today.”
He warned that the illegal activities are not limited to state retirees alone, adding that local government pensioners are also affected.
“Those behind these extortions and their accomplices know themselves. Despite repeated warnings to pensioners to be cautious, some still fall victim to these schemes,” he said.
Highlighting steps taken to improve pension administration, Oyelade recalled that gratuities were not paid between 2011 and 2016 until the backlog was cleared under Governor Seyi Makinde.
He further disclosed that the Makinde administration has increased monthly gratuity allocations by 200 per cent, from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion.
“With this increase, there is absolutely no need for any back-door payment in the processing of gratuities or entitlements,” Oyelade said.
He urged retirees to strictly follow the approved monthly disbursement process and report any suspicious demands or activities to the appropriate authorities, assuring that the government remains committed to protecting pensioners from exploitation.
