Osun Rejects EFCC's ₦11bn Account Freeze, Names Oyetola

Osun State's government has categorically denied that roughly ₦11 billion was siphoned away from its treasury. Instead, officials characterize the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's move to freeze state bank accounts as politically motivated.

According to the administration, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola orchestrated these restrictions with the explicit purpose of blocking welfare disbursements that had been approved for civil servants. Kolapo Alimi, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, stated that the government regards the EFCC's explanation as a smokescreen for what amounts to unlawful meddling in state finances.

The administration maintains no improper conduct took place and that all available funds went toward legitimate purposes: development projects, infrastructure work, and worker benefits throughout the state. Legal action has been initiated to overturn the account freeze.

Claims from the state further assert that worker welfare packages were distributed in full despite the restrictions imposed. This contradicts the EFCC's stated reason for implementing the freeze.

The anti-graft body has refrained from issuing any formal public statement responding to claims that Oyetola personally orchestrated the action. Central to the government's narrative is timing—it argues the freeze was meant to obstruct these payments ahead of August 15's gubernatorial vote.

This standoff represents an intensifying clash between a state administration and a federal law enforcement body, each contradicting the other's narrative regarding what transpired and why. Whether the frozen accounts remain locked or are released will likely depend on how the courts rule on Osun's legal challenge.

To date, the EFCC has made no public comments addressing whether Oyetola gave orders for the freeze.