The Osun State Government has raised concerns over what it described as a potential disruption to government operations ahead of the August 15 governorship election, alleging that it received credible reports of a plan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the state’s accounts. The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on behalf of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
According to the statement, the government claimed it had received information suggesting that the anti-graft agency had concluded arrangements to freeze all Osun State Government accounts. It also alleged that the accounts of some senior government officials could be affected, a development the administration said would hamper routine government activities.
Governor Adeleke argued that any move to restrict access to the state’s accounts at this stage would have significant administrative implications. He maintained that government services and other official obligations could be affected if such action were taken in the days leading to the governorship election.
The governor questioned the legal basis for the alleged plan, insisting that there was no justification for freezing the accounts of a state government. He contended that such a step would amount to an abuse of power and warned that it could interfere with the normal functioning of government during a sensitive electoral period.
Adeleke further described the reported development as a threat to institutional governance, saying public institutions must act within the limits of the law, particularly during election periods when confidence in democratic processes is under close public scrutiny. He urged that any action capable of affecting governance should strictly follow established legal procedures.
The allegations come against the backdrop of heightened political activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, where electoral stakeholders have repeatedly called for transparency, restraint and adherence to due process by all institutions involved in the electoral environment.
As of the time of the governor’s statement, the allegations represented the position of the Osun State Government. No response from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was included in the information provided. The claims have therefore not been independently verified, and the commission’s position on the matter was not available.
