EFCC Freezes Osun Government Salary Account Days to Governorship Election

EFCC Freezes Osun Government Salary Account Days to Governorship Election
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‎E-ISSN: 2354-4481
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‎By Laz Umezuruike
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‎OSOGBO, OSUN STATE – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen an Osun State Government bank account domiciled with First Bank, just 10 days before the August 15 governorship election, escalating political tension in the state.
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‎The affected account, reportedly used for the payment of workers' salaries, was placed under a "Post No Debit" restriction, according to documents seen by reporters and sources close to the Osun State Government.
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‎The development came only hours after Governor Ademola Adeleke publicly alleged that the anti-graft agency was planning to freeze the state's accounts as well as those of senior government officials.
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‎In a statement issued earlier, Adeleke described the reported move as unlawful and politically motivated, insisting that the EFCC lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally freeze the bank accounts of a state government.
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‎The governor warned that any attempt to restrict the state's financial operations would amount to an effort to cripple governance and disrupt essential public services in the days leading up to the governorship election.
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‎According to a source within the administration, the restriction has now been implemented, confirming that the governor's earlier warning was no longer speculative.
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‎"It is no longer an allegation. The account has been placed on Post No Debit, and the governor will address the people shortly," the source said.
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‎The restriction is believed to affect the account through which the state government processes salary payments for civil servants, raising concerns over the possible impact on workers and government operations if the action remains in place.
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‎As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not released any official statement explaining the reasons for the restriction or the legal basis for the action.
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‎The absence of an official response has fuelled speculation and heightened political anxiety, particularly as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
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‎The latest development is expected to dominate political discourse in Osun State, with observers closely monitoring possible reactions from political stakeholders, civil society organisations, labour unions, and the electoral umpire.
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‎Governor Adeleke's administration has maintained that the timing of the restriction raises serious concerns about possible interference with the democratic process and the smooth running of government.
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‎The administration has also insisted that the state's finances are being managed in accordance with the law and that any dispute should follow due judicial process.
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‎Osun State, located in Nigeria's South-West geopolitical zone, is one of the country's politically strategic states. Since assuming office in November 2022, Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has overseen reforms in infrastructure, education, healthcare and workers' welfare.
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‎The August 15, 2026 governorship election is expected to be keenly contested, with major political parties seeking control of the state. In recent weeks, political activities have intensified, while concerns have also grown over allegations of intimidation and actions capable of influencing the electoral environment.
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‎The EFCC is Nigeria's principal anti-corruption agency established to investigate and prosecute financial and economic crimes. While the commission possesses powers to investigate suspected financial misconduct, disputes have occasionally arisen over the extent of its authority regarding the finances of state governments.
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‎With the governorship election only days away, attention is now focused on whether the restriction will be lifted and whether the EFCC will provide an official explanation for its action.
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