…Urges Makinde to Beam Searchlight on PTS Financial Records
The attention of the Oyo State Transportation Board has been drawn to the recent actions taken by the Chairman of the Pacesetter Transport Service (PTS), Mr. Salami Ibrahim Oladeji, involving the issuance of letters of compulsory retirement to certain staff of the organization. This was contained in a letter signed by the Board members.
It is pertinent to categorically state that at no time did the Board of the Oyo State Transportation convene or approve such far-reaching decisions.
The directive to retire or disengage staff, as communicated by Mr. Salami, was unilaterally taken without consultation or endorsement from the Board.
This gross misrepresentation has not only violated administrative protocol but has also created unnecessary confusion and tension within the agency and the public domain.
We wish to clarify to all stakeholders and the general public that the Board remains committed to due process, fairness, and collective decision-making.
Any action purportedly taken in the name of the Board without its formal resolution is null, void, and of no binding effect.
More troubling is the background against which these actions are unfolding. The Chairman, Mr. Salami Ibrahim Oladeji, is currently facing multiple allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. Reports before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) document instances of embezzlement, fraudulent contract staffing practices, and the illegal diversion of funds—issues for which Mr. Salami is yet to clear his name.
Rather than cooperating with the authorities to address these serious allegations and restore public trust, Mr. Salami has seemingly embarked on a campaign of intimidation and scapegoating.
Innocent staff members, especially those who have refused to participate in unethical dealings, are being victimized through forceful retirement and suspension, in what appears to be a desperate attempt to obstruct internal accountability.
We are also aware of growing concerns among stakeholders regarding the systemic purge of financial officers, the sudden removal of supervendors associated with the automated fare collection system, and alleged attempts to compromise oversight institutions. These developments underscore a disturbing pattern of authoritarian management and deliberate financial obfuscation.
In light of the above, the Oyo State Transportation Board, under the vice-chairmanship of Mogaji Oladosu Ademola, calls on His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, to initiate an urgent and independent forensic audit of all financial and human resource operations within the PTS.
This should include a full review of contracts with third-party operators, such as Touch and Pay Technologies, and an assessment of the legality and fairness of all recent disengagements.
Furthermore, we urge the Oyo State House of Assembly to rise to its constitutional duty by conducting an open investigation into the leadership and financial dealings of Mr. Salami Ibrahim Oladeji.
We reaffirm our commitment to accountability, transparency, and justice. The public deserves answers. The workers deserve fairness. And the integrity of the Oyo State public service must be upheld.
Signed:
Mogaji Oladosu Ademola
Vice Chairman, Oyo State Transportation Board