Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of planning to freeze the bank accounts of the state government ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The governor described the alleged move as unlawful and politically motivated, warning that it could disrupt government activities and affect the smooth running of the state just days before voters head to the polls.
The allegation was made public in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi.
According to the statement, Adeleke raised the concern during a meeting with government officials at the Government House in Osogbo on Tuesday.
Alimi claimed that the anti-graft agency was not only planning to freeze the state government’s accounts but also those of key officials in the Adeleke administration.
Quoting the governor, the commissioner described the alleged plan as “the height of lawlessness,” insisting that such an action would amount to an abuse of power.
Adeleke further alleged that the move was designed to cripple government operations and create unnecessary challenges for his administration in the days leading up to the governorship election.
He maintained that there is no legal justification for freezing the accounts of a state government, arguing that the EFCC lacks the constitutional authority to take such action.
According to the governor, any attempt to restrict access to the state’s funds would be a direct attack on governance and public service delivery.
Despite the allegations, the EFCC had not issued an official response as of the time of filing the report.
When contacted, the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said he would respond later but had yet to provide the agency’s position.
Governor Adeleke is seeking re-election for another four-year term under the platform of the Accord Party, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) is campaigning to reclaim Osun State after spending the last four years in opposition.
Political activities in the state have intensified ahead of the election, with reports of violent clashes involving supporters of the major political parties in several communities.
Earlier this week, Adeleke appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the growing political tension across the state.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area, the governor urged the President to help prevent a repeat of the political unrest that affected parts of the South-West during the 1983 political crisis.
He also argued that the Accord Party’s endorsement of President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid should encourage the Federal Government to ensure that the forthcoming governorship election is peaceful, credible and transparent.
Adeleke stressed that the people of Osun deserve a free, fair and violence-free electoral process, calling on relevant authorities to protect lives, maintain law and order, and safeguard the integrity of the election.
“All we are asking for is simply a free and fair election,” the governor said.
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