Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of directing the freezing of a state government account, sparking fresh tension just days before the August 15 governorship election.
The governor alleged that the account, which he said is used for critical government payments including workers’ salaries, was placed on a “Post No Debit” restriction by the anti-graft agency.
According to Adeleke, the directive was communicated to the state government through its commercial bank, only 10 days before the election.
Adeleke said the move was carried out without a court order and described it as a threat to democratic principles and the constitutional rights of state governments.
“This morning, we received a letter from our banker, forwarding a letter from the EFCC, instructing the bank to freeze Osun State Government account.
”This action was taken without any court order,” the governor said.
He called on the EFCC chairman to explain the reason behind the decision and provide evidence supporting the action.
“All I ask is for the EFCC chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and to Nigerians in general why he froze Osun State Government account and show proof to support whatever reason he presents,” Adeleke stated.
The governor warned that allowing such actions to go unchallenged could weaken democratic institutions.
“This is a threat to democracy. If we all keep quiet and allow this illegality, very soon, whatever is left of our democracy will be fully eroded,” he added.
Adeleke said several state officials and ministries had already been invited by the EFCC for questioning but insisted that no wrongdoing had been established against the government.
“We have not rested because they’ve been inviting everybody. Everybody in account, they’ve invited the accountant, invited everybody, even all the ministries,” he said.
The governor maintained that Osun had maintained a record of transparency and accountability in managing public resources.
Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, also challenged the legality of the alleged restriction, arguing that the EFCC does not have unilateral powers to freeze a state’s statutory account.
He said such funds are meant for essential public services, including salaries, healthcare, education, pensions and security.
“The statutory account of Osun State contains public funds meant for governance, salaries, pension, health care, education, security, and other essential obligations to the people,” Jimi-Bada said.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Finance, Adeola Ogungbile, dismissed suggestions that the government’s activities were being financed through limited federal allocations.
He argued that Adeleke’s re-election campaign was being driven by the governor’s performance and public support.
“The good work of Mr. Governor is why the Osun State people are resolute to ensure that Mr. Governor comes back victorious by August 15,” Ogungbile said.
