The freezing of an Osun State Government bank account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has generated strong reactions from government officials, political parties and legal stakeholders.
The development, which comes days before the state’s August 15 governorship election, has fuelled debate over its legality and possible implications for governance.
Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the action while addressing journalists in Osogbo, describing it as an unjustified interference with the state’s finances. He said the government had instructed its legal team to challenge the decision in court and urged the EFCC to publicly justify its action.
“All I ask is for the EFCC chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and to Nigerians why he froze Osun State Government account.”
“I have instructed my Attorney General to challenge this illegality at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.”
Backing the governor’s position, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN) argued that existing laws do not empower the anti-graft agency to place restrictions on a state’s statutory account. He maintained that the affected funds are designated for essential public services such as salary payments, pensions, education and healthcare, adding that only a court should determine such disputes.
Political reactions also followed, with the Accord Party and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) expressing concern over the timing of the account freeze. The parties warned that such a move, coming shortly before the governorship election, could increase political tension and undermine public confidence if not handled transparently.
The EFCC, however, insisted that its decision was based on its responsibility to safeguard public resources. According to the commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, investigators have been examining the alleged diversion of about ₦11 billion from Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations since March 2026.
“The Commission cannot watch idly while a state government’s account is being pillaged.”
“The Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.”
The commission further rejected allegations of political interference, maintaining that its investigations are driven solely by available evidence. It also noted that similar financial investigations involving other state governments are ongoing, insisting that the timing of elections does not influence its enforcement activities.
The freezing of an Osun State Government bank account by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has generated strong reactions from government officials, political parties and legal stakeholders.
The development, which comes days before the state’s August 15 governorship election, has fuelled debate over its legality and possible implications for governance.
Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned the action while addressing journalists in Osogbo, describing it as an unjustified interference with the state’s finances. He said the government had instructed its legal team to challenge the decision in court and urged the EFCC to publicly justify its action.
“All I ask is for the EFCC chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and to Nigerians why he froze Osun State Government account.”
“I have instructed my Attorney General to challenge this illegality at the Federal High Court in Osogbo.”
Backing the governor’s position, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN) argued that existing laws do not empower the anti-graft agency to place restrictions on a state’s statutory account. He maintained that the affected funds are designated for essential public services such as salary payments, pensions, education and healthcare, adding that only a court should determine such disputes.
Political reactions also followed, with the Accord Party and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) expressing concern over the timing of the account freeze. The parties warned that such a move, coming shortly before the governorship election, could increase political tension and undermine public confidence if not handled transparently.
The EFCC, however, insisted that its decision was based on its responsibility to safeguard public resources. According to the commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, investigators have been examining the alleged diversion of about ₦11 billion from Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations since March 2026.
“The Commission cannot watch idly while a state government’s account is being pillaged.”
“The Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.”
The commission further rejected allegations of political interference, maintaining that its investigations are driven solely by available evidence. It also noted that similar financial investigations involving other state governments are ongoing, insisting that the timing of elections does not influence its enforcement activities.
