Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, of being behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) restriction on the state government’s account.
Adeleke made the allegation amid an escalating political dispute over the EFCC’s action against the Osun State Government, coming only days before the August 15 governorship election.
The governor reportedly alleged that Oyetola had a role in the decision, claiming that the former governor “told EFCC” to freeze the account.
The allegation adds a fresh political dimension to the controversy surrounding the EFCC’s investigation into Osun State finances.
The EFCC had previously maintained that its action was connected to an investigation involving suspected financial irregularities and unusually large transfers involving government funds, while denying that the move was politically motivated or connected to the election.
Adeleke and his administration, however, have repeatedly questioned the timing of the action, particularly with the state preparing for a highly competitive governorship election.
The account restriction has become one of the major political flashpoints in Osun, with the governor accusing the Federal Government and political opponents of attempting to undermine his administration ahead of the poll.
The controversy has also drawn President Bola Tinubu into the matter after he directed the EFCC to return to court over the account restriction, citing concerns about electoral fairness.
Adeleke’s latest allegation against Oyetola is therefore likely to further intensify the political battle between the two camps as voters prepare to decide the next governor of Osun State.
Oyetola, a former governor of Osun and currently a minister in the Tinubu administration, has been a major political opponent of Adeleke.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of a fiercely contested election in which Adeleke is seeking another term while facing a strong challenge from APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji.
For now, Adeleke’s allegation against Oyetola remains an allegation and has not, by itself, established that the former governor ordered the EFCC action.