WorldStage– The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen all bank accounts belonging to the Osun State Government, sparking intense political controversy just days before the state’s highly anticipated gubernatorial election.
The sudden enforcement action has halted all state financial transactions, leaving government operations paralyzed.
Local bank sources confirmed that the restriction covers accounts holding critical operational funds, including those used for infrastructure projects, civil servant salaries, and emergency services.
EFCC officials defended the decision as a standard procedural move to safeguard public assets.
According to an agency insider, the commission acted on credible intelligence alleging an unusual surge in cash withdrawals and suspicious fund transfers by outgoing administration officials.
The agency stated that the freezing orders are aimed at preventing the potential laundering of public funds for voter inducement and illegal campaign financing.
However, the state government has fiercely condemned the move, labeling it a politically motivated attack designed to destabilize the administration and influence the outcome of the weekend election.
In an emergency press briefing, the state’s Commissioner for Information accused the anti-graft agency of overstepping its boundaries and working hand-in-hand with opposition forces to handicap the ruling party’s final campaign push.
The administration warned that the freeze threatens internal security by delaying essential payments to security personnel deployed for election duties.
Legal experts and civil society groups have expressed deep concern over the timing of the enforcement.
While acknowledging the EFCC’s mandate to fight corruption, analysts warn that freezing a state’s entire financial apparatus on the eve of an election sets a dangerous precedent that could trigger administrative chaos and compromise democratic fairness.
As legal teams rush to court to challenge the order, tension continues to build across the state.
