The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has demanded that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, should publicly explain the decision to freeze the Osun State Government’s bank accounts, describing the action as unlawful and a serious threat to constitutional democracy.
Addressing journalists at the Government House in Osogbo on Wednesday, Adeleke said the anti-graft agency illegally directed the state’s bankers to place a restriction on government accounts without first obtaining a court order.
He argued that the action violated the rule of law and undermined the constitutional rights of the state government.
The governor alleged that the move was part of a broader campaign of intimidation against his administration ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
He accused former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of influencing the actions against his government, insisting that the election could not be won through intimidation.
According to Adeleke, the state received a letter from its banker forwarding an EFCC directive instructing the bank to freeze the government’s accounts through a “Post No Debit” order.
He maintained that the commission had no legal authority to take such action without judicial approval.
He warned that allowing federal agencies to act outside the law would weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions and set a dangerous precedent for other state governments.
“This action was taken without any court order. We are supposed to be in a democracy where the rule of law must always prevail.
“I ask the EFCC chairman to explain to the people of Osun and Nigerians why he froze the state government’s accounts and provide evidence to support whatever reason he presents,” Adeleke said.
The governor announced that he had directed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), to challenge the EFCC’s action before the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo.
Responding to questions from journalists, Adeleke disclosed that several officials of his administration had previously honoured invitations from the EFCC and were cleared after investigations.
He questioned why the commission still proceeded to freeze the government’s accounts despite those engagements.
Confirming the legal action, Jimi-Bada said the state government had already received the EFCC’s “Post No Debit” directive sent to First Bank, where the government’s accounts are domiciled.
He argued that while the anti-graft agency has the power to investigate financial transactions, it cannot lawfully freeze government accounts without first securing an order of a competent court.
The attorney general warned that the restriction could disrupt the smooth running of government and delay the delivery of essential public services. He also insisted that Governor Adeleke was not using public funds to finance his re-election campaign.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Sola Ogungbile, alleged that police operatives stormed the main branch of First Bank in Osogbo and arrested some bank employees during the enforcement of the directive.
He urged the EFCC to consider the wider implications of the action on governance and the welfare of residents.
Earlier, the state government had raised the alarm that the EFCC was planning to freeze not only government accounts but also those of top state officials.
The administration described the alleged move as an attempt to paralyse government activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election, insisting that the commission lacks the legal powers to freeze a state government’s accounts without judicial approval. (Blueprint)
