A retired staff member of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Akorede Morakinyo, has made serious allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and victimisation within the organisation.
According to retired BCOS staff, Morakinyo, the actions of certain former and current officials have contributed to the decline of the once-influential broadcasting corporation.
Details of the Allegations
In a recorded conversation with a veteran union member, made available to iReport247News, Morakinyo accused several top officials of misappropriating resources and neglecting operational efficiency.
Those mentioned include:
- Prince Dotun Oyelade, former BCOS chairman and current Oyo State Commissioner for Information
- Yanjú Adegbite, former Project Director
- Peter Ajayi, former General Manager
- Sunday Okeleye, former Director of Finance and Accounts
- Engr. Akinniyi Akinlabi and Engr. Smith Oladipupo, former Director of Engineering
- Lanre Salam, former Director of Commercial Services
- Other commercial staff members
Morakinyo alleged that Dotun Oyelade wasted millions of naira constructing a fence, while Yanjú Adegbite spent millions on a wire fence and collaborated with Akinlabi on extensive canteen renovations.
He claimed these expenditures were unnecessary and contributed to the corporation’s financial mismanagement.
Additionally, Morakinyo accused the current BCOS chairman of targeting pensioners and staff, alleging that he came intending to victimise them.
According to Morakinyo, pensioners had to beg for favours before receiving what was rightfully due to them, highlighting a culture of neglect and intimidation at the top level of management.
Morakinyo also claimed that Sunday Okeleye and Peter Ajayi, after retirement, collected large sums from advertising agencies in Lagos on behalf of BCOS without remitting them to the corporation’s purse.
Sunday Okeleye’s Rebuttal
In response, Sunday Oluseun Okeleye has categorically denied all allegations, describing them as baseless, malicious, and intended to tarnish his reputation.
In an official statement, Okeleye said the circulated recording, which has since been deleted, contained false claims made by Akorede Morakinyo.
Okeleye emphasised that records from his time in service attest to the falsehood of these claims.
He further noted that while many have contacted him regarding the recording, he felt it necessary to issue an official rebuttal for the record.
He concluded by stating that he reserves the right to explore legal options against those spreading false information and that such options are currently being considered.
BCOS: A Historical Perspective
Established decades ago, BCOS has been a critical platform for news, education, and cultural programming in Oyo State and beyond.
Despite its legacy, the corporation has faced challenges such as funding shortages, internal disputes, and administrative inefficiencies, which have impacted its programming and public perception.
Union and Public Reactions
The staff union has not yet issued an official response, but veteran members note that BCOS has periodically faced management and governance challenges.
Media analysts stress that accountability, transparency, and proper governance are essential for restoring the corporation’s credibility.
Implications of the Allegations
Experts argue that Morakinyo’s revelations highlight broader challenges faced by public broadcasting institutions in Nigeria, including bureaucratic inefficiency and political interference.
Strengthening governance structures, improving staff welfare, and ensuring operational transparency are key to reversing BCOS’s decline.
The controversy also underscores how retired staff members can influence accountability and prompt reforms in public institutions, potentially shaping ongoing governance and operational practices.
Future of BCOS Amid Allegations
The coming weeks may determine how the Oyo State government, current BCOS management, and other stakeholders respond.
Legal proceedings by those implicated, if pursued, could further influence public perception and internal reforms.
Meanwhile, BCOS continues operations amid these developments, highlighting the importance of ethical management practices, transparency, and protection of pensioners’ rights in state-owned organisations.
The situation also underscores the broader need for vigilant governance and accountability across all public institutions in Oyo State.
About The Author
