Lawmakers investigate employment scam in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State House of Assembly has condemned the issuance of fake employment letters that defrauded unsuspecting job seekers during a recent recruitment exercise in the state.

During its plenary session on Tuesday, presided over by Speaker Olamide Oladiji, lawmakers described the matter as urgent, stating that it had tarnished the image of the state and subjected victims to severe hardship.

The Speaker recalled that the fraud had sparked protests earlier this month and led to the suspension of some officials of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

He stressed, however, that mere suspension was insufficient, insisting that those responsible must be brought to justice.

“Fake letters were issued, money exchanged hands, and people were defrauded. This House must not fold its arms while our people are being exploited,” he declared.

Other lawmakers, who described the scheme as both wicked and criminal, urged the Assembly to summon everyone involved—including insiders and external collaborators—for questioning. They also cautioned citizens against paying bribes to secure government jobs.

The legislators noted that high unemployment has made young people especially vulnerable to such scams and urged the government to create more opportunities through ongoing programmes.

The Assembly subsequently set up a committee chaired by the Speaker, with Deputy Speaker Ololade Gbegudu as vice-chairman and four other members, to investigate the scandal. It also referred a bill to amend the Ondo State Public Audit Amendment Law, 2021, to the Public Accounts Committee for further consideration.