Adeleke Accuses Oyetola as EFCC Freezes Osun Accounts, Vows Court Battle

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

 Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of unlawfully freezing the state's government accounts without a court order, describing the action as a dangerous assault on Nigeria's democracy and constitutional order.

Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday in Osogbo, Adeleke alleged that the freezing of the state's accounts was the latest in what he described as a coordinated campaign of intimidation against his administration and members of the Accord Party ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

According to the governor, the state government received a letter from its banker on Wednesday morning conveying an EFCC directive ordering the immediate freezing of Osun State Government accounts.

He maintained that the anti-graft agency acted without obtaining a court order, insisting that such action violates the rule of law and the constitutional rights of a federating state.

"We are supposed to be in a democracy where the rule of law must always prevail. We cannot accept a situation where federal agencies trample on the constitutional rights of subnational governments. This is a threat to our democracy," Adeleke declared.

The governor further alleged that his administration and members of the Accord Party have endured months of political intimidation, including what he described as the paralysis of the local government system, repeated police raids, arbitrary arrests of party leaders, and attacks on supporters.

He claimed that more than 60 Accord members had been arrested and transferred to Abuja, where they remain in detention without formal charges, while several others had allegedly been killed.

Adeleke blamed the alleged intimidation on former Osun State Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, claiming the actions were politically motivated and aimed at influencing the forthcoming governorship election.

The governor challenged the EFCC Chairman to publicly explain the legal basis for freezing the state's accounts and provide evidence to justify the action.

"I ask the EFCC Chairman to explain to the good people of Osun State and Nigerians why he froze the Osun State Government accounts and to provide proof supporting whatever reason he presents," he said.

Describing the development as another attempt to undermine democratic governance, Adeleke warned that allowing such actions to continue unchecked could further erode Nigeria's democratic institutions.

He disclosed that he had directed the Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to institute legal proceedings at the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo to challenge the action.

Despite the controversy, the governor insisted that his administration and campaign would not be distracted.

"As for me, we are pushing ahead with our campaign," Adeleke stated, reaffirming his commitment to continue seeking a second term in office despite the unfolding legal and political disputes.

The EFCC had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.