The Osun State Government has firmly rejected the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) assertion that a state account was frozen due to a looted N11 billion, labeling the claim as a fabricated cover for an illegal and politically motivated action. The denial came from Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, on August 6, 2026, via the official state government handle.
Real Motive Behind Account Freeze
Alimi stated that the actual reason for freezing the account was to prevent the state from paying palliatives promised to workers to ease the burden of current economic hardship. He accused the EFCC of acting on orders from former governor Gboyega Oyetola, describing the move as a "hatchet job" for the Osun APC.
"All material facts point to the fact that the commission is pursuing a hatchet job for the Osun APC by illegally freezing the state account and falsely accusing the government of looting ecological and other state funds," Alimi said.
Despite the freeze, the commissioner confirmed that the state had already paid the palliatives to all Osun workers. These payments were part of a cost-of-living support arrangement made earlier, arising from direct negotiations with workers.
EFCC Accused of Witch-Hunt
Alimi revealed that the EFCC has been conducting a "witch-hunt" investigation since March 2026, harassing government officials weekly without producing any incriminating evidence. He linked the action to Oyetola and an ally identified as Ambo, accusing both of an "historic anti-workers' obsession."
The government argued that Osun has won multiple awards for budget and auditing transparency. If the EFCC truly had evidence of wrongdoing, established legal procedures existed for prosecuting suspects rather than freezing government accounts without due process.
"It is sad that a commission will lie to destroy the image of a state to cover up an illegal action that has backfired," Alimi added, stating that the EFCC's alibi could not withstand scrutiny in court or public opinion.
Adeleke Invokes August 15 Election
Governor Ademola Adeleke separately addressed Osun residents, linking the EFCC action to an APC attempt to regain control of the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election. He accused his opponents of previously paying workers half salaries and leaving civil servants unable to feed their families.
"We will not allow APC to take Osun back to the days when civil servants had to beg their neighbours for food," Adeleke wrote, urging eligible voters to use the election to send a clear message in favour of progress and good governance.
Davido Reacts to EFCC Freeze
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Afrobeats superstar Davido spoke out after reports emerged that the EFCC allegedly directed restrictions on an Osun State Government account reportedly used for paying workers' salaries. Documents cited in reports claimed the account had been placed on a "Post No Debit" status, making it a major talking point.
The development underscores the heightened political tension in Osun as the governorship election approaches, with both the ruling party and the opposition trading accusations over financial management and governance.
