The Osun State Government has dismissed allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that ₦11 billion was misappropriated from the state’s accounts, describing the claim as false and an attempt to justify what it called the unlawful freezing of government bank accounts.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, accused the anti-graft agency of advancing a politically motivated agenda aimed at disrupting government activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
According to the commissioner, the EFCC’s decision to freeze the state’s accounts was designed to prevent the payment of palliatives approved for civil servants and other legitimate government obligations.
He alleged that the action was carried out at the instance of former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, insisting that the move reflected what he described as a long-standing anti-worker disposition.
Alimi maintained that the state government had already completed the disbursement of palliatives to workers following discussions with labour unions over the country’s rising cost of living.
“We have successfully paid the approved palliatives to workers in Osun State. The intervention followed negotiations aimed at cushioning the effects of the current economic hardship. Supporting workers in this manner is not new to our administration,” he said.
The commissioner denied that public funds were diverted, insisting that the Adeleke administration has consistently utilised state resources for infrastructure development, workers’ welfare and critical public services.
He stated that there were no funds available for embezzlement because government revenues were being channelled into developmental projects across the state.
“Our limited resources are committed to major infrastructure projects, workers’ welfare and programmes that directly benefit the people. We reject every attempt to tarnish the reputation of Governor Ademola Adeleke and this administration,” he added.
Alimi further alleged that the EFCC had been investigating senior officials of the Osun State Government since March 2026 without finding any evidence of financial misconduct.
According to him, government officials have continued to face repeated invitations and interrogations despite the absence of incriminating evidence.
He described the investigations as a “witch-hunt” intended to distract public officials from delivering governance.
The commissioner also pointed to the state’s record on financial accountability, noting that Osun has received recognition for transparency in budgeting and public finance management.
He argued that even where financial infractions are suspected, due legal procedures must be followed instead of freezing government accounts without a court order.
“This is unfortunate. The EFCC is attempting to paint the state in a negative light to justify an action that is clearly unlawful. Their explanation is an afterthought and does not stand the test of truth or public scrutiny,” he said.
The Osun State Government’s reaction followed the EFCC’s explanation that the accounts were frozen to prevent the alleged diversion of public funds while investigations continue.
