Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to institute legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the freezing of an Osun State Government bank account reportedly used for the payment of workers’ salaries just barely two weeks to the Governorship election in the state.
The governor issued the directive after the anti-graft agency placed a “Post No Debit” restriction on the First Bank account, a move he described as unlawful and a threat to the smooth running of government.
Speaking with journalists at the Government House in Osogbo, Adeleke accused the EFCC of violating the rule of law and challenged the commission to publicly justify its decision.
He called on the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to explain the reasons for freezing the account and provide evidence to support the action.
“This is a matter of public interest. I ask the EFCC Chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and Nigerians why he froze the Osun State Government account and provide evidence to support whatever reason he presents,” the governor said.
Adeleke argued that the commission’s actions, including the freezing of the account, were undermining democratic governance and due process.
He disclosed that he had directed the Attorney-General to file a suit at the Federal High Court in Osogbo to challenge the EFCC’s action and seek judicial clarification on the agency’s powers to freeze a state government account.
The governor warned that the restriction could disrupt critical government operations, particularly the payment of workers’ salaries and other statutory obligations.
The legal action marks a fresh twist in the growing face-off between the Osun State Government and the anti-graft agency, with the state insisting that constitutional and legal procedures must be followed before any government account is frozen.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement explaining the reason for the restriction or respond to the allegations raised by the Osun State Government. The case is expected to proceed before the Federal High Court once the suit is formally filed.
