The political atmosphere in Osun State took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as Governor Ademola Adeleke accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of directing First Bank to freeze the state government's account without obtaining a court order.
Adeleke, who disclosed the development during a press conference in Osogbo, described the action as unlawful and warned that it could undermine democratic governance ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
According to the governor, the state government received a communication from its banker, First Bank, conveying an EFCC directive instructing that a Post-No-Debit restriction be placed on the state's account.
The anti-graft agency's request was contained in a letter dated August 5, 2026, bearing reference number CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/PFS/TA/OSUN/VOL.17/666 and signed by the EFCC Director of Investigation, Adenike S. Babalola.
In the letter, the commission requested the bank to restrict transactions on the account, citing provisions of Section 38 (1) and (2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, as well as Section 24 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
However, Adeleke questioned the legality of the move, insisting that such a far-reaching action should not be taken without judicial authorization.
"We received a letter from our banker forwarding a directive from the EFCC instructing the bank to freeze the Osun State Government account. This action was taken without any court order," the governor said.
Expressing concern over the timing of the development, Adeleke alleged that the action was part of broader efforts to interfere with the state's democratic process as the governorship election draws near.
He argued that federal institutions should not be allowed to override the constitutional rights of state governments, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent.
"We are supposed to be in a democracy where the rule of law must prevail. We cannot accept a situation where federal agencies trample on the constitutional rights of sub-national governments," he stated.
The governor further described the account freeze as a direct threat to democracy, insisting that silence in the face of what he termed illegality would weaken the country's democratic institutions.
Adeleke challenged the EFCC to publicly explain the reasons behind its action and provide evidence to justify the restriction placed on the state's account.
"All I ask is for the EFCC to explain to the good people of Osun State and Nigerians why it froze the Osun State Government account and provide proof to support whatever reason it presents," he said.
He also alleged that the development formed part of a series of actions targeted at Osun State, adding that such measures were reducing democracy to a "huge joke."
Meanwhile, the governor disclosed that he had directed the Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Jimi Bada (SAN), to immediately challenge the EFCC's action before the Federal High Court in Osogbo.
The EFCC had yet to issue an official response to Adeleke's allegations as of the time of filing this report.
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