By Ayomide Otitoju
The Osun State Government has rejected the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) allegation that ₦11 billion was looted from the state’s accounts, describing the claim as an attempt to justify what it called an unlawful freezing of government funds.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo, the state government alleged that the account was frozen to prevent the payment of palliatives promised to workers.
The government claimed the action was carried out “on the order of Gboyega Oyetola” and described the account restriction as the latest in what it called an “anti-workers’” campaign.
The state government said it had already paid palliatives to workers following negotiations aimed at cushioning the impact of the economic hardship in the country.
“Fortunately, we have paid the palliatives to all Osun State workers,” the statement said, adding that similar cost-of-living support had been provided to workers in the past.
The government also accused the EFCC of pursuing what it described as a politically motivated investigation against the state government and alleged that the commission was working to undermine the administration.
It maintained that public funds in the state had been spent on infrastructure, workers’ welfare and sectoral development.
“There is no fund to loot in Osun State as the little resources we have are expended on the many mega projects, workers’ welfare, and sectoral developments for the benefit of the masses,” the government said.
The state further alleged that the EFCC had been investigating some government officials since March 2026 without producing evidence of wrongdoing.
According to the government, officials had been subjected to repeated questioning and harassment, which it claimed was distracting them from their responsibilities.
The statement also highlighted Osun’s reported recognition for budget and auditing transparency, arguing that any evidence of financial misconduct should be addressed through established legal procedures.
The government said the EFCC should have followed due process rather than freezing the state’s accounts, describing the action as politically motivated and unlawful.
“It is sad that a commission will lie to destroy the image of a state to cover up an illegal action that has backfired,” the statement said, describing the EFCC’s explanation as an “afterthought.”
The government’s reaction followed the EFCC’s explanation for freezing the Osun State Government’s bank accounts.
The commission said the action was taken to prevent the alleged diversion of public funds under investigation, insisting that it was not connected to the state’s August 15 governorship election.
