Adeleke alleges plot to freeze Osun accounts ahead of governorship election

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is planning to freeze the bank accounts of the state government and some top officials ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The governor described the alleged move as an attempt to cripple government activities in the days leading to the election, insisting that there is no legal basis for such action.

Alleged plan to freeze accounts

Adeleke made the allegation in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi.

According to the statement, the governor said he had received what he described as credible reports indicating that the anti-graft agency had concluded plans to freeze all accounts belonging to the Osun State Government.

He also alleged that the accounts of key government functionaries were being targeted as part of the plan.

The statement quoted the governor as saying that if the reports were true, such a move would amount to “the height of lawlessness” and would be aimed at paralysing government operations ahead of the governorship poll.

Governor questions legality

The governor maintained that the EFCC has no legal authority to freeze the accounts of a state government, stressing that there is no justification for any attempt to interfere with the state’s finances.

According to the statement, Adeleke insisted that the alleged plan lacked constitutional and legal backing, warning that any such action would amount to an abuse of power.

He further expressed concern that disrupting government finances at such a critical period could affect the delivery of essential public services and create unnecessary tension in the state.

Election backdrop

The allegation comes less than two weeks before the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, where Adeleke is seeking re-election.

The governor has repeatedly alleged political interference and attempts to undermine his administration in the buildup to the poll.

His latest claim adds to growing political tensions ahead of the election, with campaigns by major political parties entering their final stages.

EFCC yet to respond

As of the time of filing this report, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had not responded to the allegations made by the governor.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of the anti-graft agency were still ongoing.

The development is expected to generate further political debate in the state as stakeholders await the EFCC’s official position on the allegations and preparations continue for the August 15 governorship election.