OYACA has erased institutionalized corruption in Oyo Civil Service — Chairman

…Says Agency Can Probe Any Individual If Petitioned

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

The Chairman of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA), Hon. Justice Eni Esan (Rtd.), has declared that the state has successfully dismantled institutionalized corruption within its civil service through the relentless activities of the agency.

Speaking on Fresh FM’s flagship programme anchored by Mayor Isaac Brown on Monday, Justice Esan noted that the agency’s creation was part of Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and accountable public service in Oyo State.

According to her, “Governor Makinde’s main goal when the OYACA board was constituted was to sanitize the public and civil service at all levels and ensure that officers perform their duties without institutionalized corruption. Through this, we have sent a clear message of zero tolerance for corruption in Oyo State.”

The retired judge revealed that the agency has, since inception, received and handled over 600 petitions from the public, leading to several prosecutions and convictions of senior civil servants. She also disclosed that OYACA currently operates five branches across the state to ensure accessibility for residents to submit petitions and reports of corrupt practices.

Justice Esan emphasized that OYACA has the statutory authority to investigate any individual in Oyo State regardless of position or influence once a formal petition is received from the public.

She said, “We have no pressure at all on any case; none at all. We are completely independent in our investigations. We can investigate any individual, no matter how highly placed, if a petition is written against them. The Governor himself made it clear at our inauguration that no one is above investigation.”

The OYACA chairman reiterated the agency’s commitment to maintaining public trust, encouraging citizens to continue submitting petitions and evidence where corruption is suspected.

Accompanying Justice Esan during the media engagement were Dr. Prince Oyebade Oyedepo, FCA (Board Member), Ibrahim Tijani, Esq. (Executive Secretary, OYACA), Folasade Ajibade (Director, ICT), Tajudeen Azeez (Director, Finance and Administration), Wasiu Alimi (Director, Administration and Supplies), and Eto-Abasi Olayanju (Chief Legal Officer).