The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) is currently embroiled in controversy following the abrupt removal of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, the substantive Accountant General, who was reportedly directed to proceed on premature retirement leave. Her removal has sparked widespread speculation, particularly concerning the appointment of Shamsudeen Ogunjimi as Acting Accountant General.
Sources within the OAGF allege that the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, orchestrated Madein’s removal due to a power tussle. Edun is accused of seeking absolute control over the OAGF and allegedly demanding financial kickbacks from Madein during her tenure. Insiders claim that her refusal to comply with these demands led to her ousting.
The allegations have intensified following reports that Ogunjimi, the new Acting Accountant General, was personally handpicked by Edun. Ogunjimi, who was previously a director in the OAGF and was posted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in September 2024, reportedly agreed to remit N2.5 billion monthly to the Finance Minister in exchange for securing the acting role and possibly becoming the substantive Accountant General.
This decision has raised eyebrows among senior civil servants and stakeholders, many of whom view the process as a violation of civil service rules. Ogunjimi’s appointment bypassed other senior directors in the OAGF, fueling speculation of favoritism and unethical practices.
Critics argue that Edun’s alleged long-standing relationship with Ogunjimi, dating back to when the latter served as a director under him, played a significant role in the appointment. This development has led to heightened tension within the civil service, with many calling for an investigation into the allegations against Edun and Ogunjimi.
The unfolding drama has now become a subject of public debate, with demands for transparency and accountability. As these allegations remain under investigation, the situation has cast a shadow over the credibility of the OAGF and the Ministry of Finance.
Efforts to reach Wale Edun and Shamsudeen Ogunjimi for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. The Head of Service is also yet to issue an official statement regarding the controversial appointment and the alleged violations of civil service procedures.
