Gratuity: Oyo Govt. Moves Against Racketeers, Warns pensioners

The Oyo State Government has raised the alarm over allegations that some pensioners are being extorted by unscrupulous individuals posing as government officials in the process of accessing their gratuities.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government assured retirees that it is exercising greater diligence and transparency in the payment of gratuities than in previous administrations.

Prince Oyelade disclosed that with the current monthly release of funds, more than 800 retirees now benefit from gratuity payments every month, a significant increase from the about 250 beneficiaries recorded in past years.

He revealed that a cartel operating within the civil service has been identified as being behind the illegal practice, adding that the government is closing in on those involved.

According to him, some retired civil and public servants are being compelled to part with between five and 10 per cent of their gratuities as bribes to fast-track payment.

Describing the practice as an unfortunate and long-standing problem, the commissioner said the extortion has persisted for years, even during previous administrations, and has continued to victimize unsuspecting pensioners despite repeated warnings.

“Those behind these extortions and their collaborators know themselves. Although the government has consistently cautioned pensioners to be vigilant, some still fall prey to these schemes,” Oyelade said, adding that the malpractice affects both state and local government pensioners.

While highlighting the current administration’s commitment to pension welfare, the commissioner recalled that gratuities were not paid between 2011 and 2016 until the accumulated arrears were eventually cleared by Governor Seyi Makinde.

He further disclosed that Governor Makinde has increased monthly gratuity releases by 200 per cent, raising the allocation from ₦1 billion to ₦3 billion.

He stressed that there is no need for any backdoor payments in the processing of gratuities or other entitlements.

Prince Oyelade urged retirees to strictly follow the established monthly disbursement procedures and to promptly report any suspicious activities or demands for gratification to the appropriate authorities.