Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has directed the state’s Attorney General to institute a legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the freezing of a state government bank account.
Addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, Adeleke described the action as illegal, insisting that the anti-graft agency directed the bank to freeze the account without obtaining a court order.
The governor disclosed that the state government received a letter from its banker on Wednesday conveying the EFCC’s directive to place the account under restriction.
Adeleke said the development was the latest in a series of actions allegedly targeted at his administration, citing what he described as the paralysis of the local government system, attacks on residents, and the arrest of members of the Accord Party.
He alleged that several Accord members had been killed, while about 60 others had been arrested and taken to Abuja without any formal charges.
The governor further alleged that the actions were carried out at the instance of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, claiming they were aimed at influencing the outcome of the August 15 governorship election.
Describing the freezing of the government account as a violation of the rule of law and a threat to democracy, Adeleke maintained that federal agencies should not trample on the constitutional rights of subnational governments.
He called on the Chairman of the EFCC to publicly explain the reason for freezing the Osun State Government account and provide evidence to justify the action.
Adeleke said he had instructed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to challenge the action before the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo.
The governor, however, stated that despite the development, his administration and campaign would continue with their activities ahead of the governorship election.