EXCLUSIVE: Ondo State Audit Uncovers Dual Salary Fraud Involving Two Aiyedatiwa Appointees

A newly released audit report on local governments in Ondo State has exposed a case of financial misconduct involving two political appointees of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who allegedly drew salaries from two government positions simultaneously — a clear violation of Nigerian law.

According to the report, obtained by SaharaReporters and published by the state government, the two officials — Secretary of Akoko North West Local Government, Mr. Amubieya Samuel Adeniyi, and Caretaker Chairman of Akoko South South Local Council Development Authority (LCDA), Mr. John Ayo Emmanuel — were both found to have illegally received dual salaries over several months.

The audit revealed that Amubieya Samuel Adeniyi, previously a civil servant on Grade Level 13 Step 4, was appointed as the council secretary in August 2024. However, he continued collecting his civil servant salary while also receiving remuneration as a political appointee — effectively drawing two salaries from the same government.

“This misconduct was uncovered through the Remita salary platform for civil servants and the payment vouchers for political appointees,” the audit report stated. The dual payments reportedly spanned from August 2024 to February 2025.

The report cites a breach of Section 309, Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits such dual compensation. The auditors have demanded that Mr. Adeniyi refund ₦995,448.34 within two weeks and submit a Treasury Receipt for verification.

The report further criticized the action as fraudulent, suggesting that Mr. Adeniyi has shown “a tendency to commit fraud in public office.”

Similarly, John Ayo Emmanuel, a Grade Level 14 Step 6 officer in the Treasury Department, was appointed as caretaker chairman of Akoko South South LCDA in August 2024. Yet, he also continued receiving his civil service salary and allowances while earning political benefits.

The auditors condemned the action as unethical, especially from a senior officer who “should know that no one is entitled to draw double salaries from the same government at the same time.”

The audit team recommended that Mr. Emmanuel refund a total of ₦1,559,631 — the amount he allegedly collected unlawfully — and that his civil service salary be suspended immediately.

Reacting to the revelations, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed that the government would take appropriate action following an investigation.

“This will be investigated and appropriate actions taken by the government,” he said.