Oyo 2027: ADC candidate Adegoke promises timely payment of retirees’ benefits

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, has promised to reform the state’s pension and gratuity system, alleging that retired civil servants sometimes wait between seven and 10 years to receive their entitlements.
Adegoke also claimed that retirees often spend several months waiting to be enrolled for pension payments, describing the situation as worrisome and unacceptable.
He made the remarks on Monday while addressing party leaders, chieftains and members from Oyo East, Oyo West, Atiba and Afijio Local Government Areas of the state.
The gathering was attended by hundreds of ADC members and supporters.
Adegoke criticised the existing system for processing pensions and gratuities, describing it as archaic and blaming it for the prolonged delays experienced by retirees.
He said his administration, if elected, would begin processing retirement benefits before workers leave service to ensure they receive their entitlements without prolonged waiting periods.
“It is sad that retired civil servants often wait for seven to 10 years before they receive their gratuities and several months before they are enrolled for pension. We will change all that.
“Before retirement, the process of gratuities would have started so that they can immediately benefit upon retirement. Also, a few months to retirement, the process for placement on pension payment will be worked out and upon retirement the retirees would immediately enjoy their pension.
The ADC candidate said the proposed system would also ensure that pension documentation is initiated months before retirement, allowing beneficiaries to access their pensions immediately after leaving service.