06/08/2026
LEGAL BATTLE: The Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), has insisted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lacks the legal authority to freeze the state’s statutory account.
Speaking in Osogbo on Wednesday, Jimi-Bada argued that the laws cited by the anti-graft agency do not empower it to restrict access to a state government’s statutory funds.
“Any restriction on such funds raises serious constitutional questions which, in our view, should be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.
According to the Attorney-General, the account contains funds used for critical government obligations, including salaries, pensions, healthcare, education, security and other public services.
Jimi-Bada stressed that Osun State respects the EFCC’s mandate and is not opposed to lawful investigations but maintains that any action affecting a state’s statutory account must follow constitutional and legal procedures.
He disclosed that Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed him to challenge the EFCC’s action in court and seek a judicial interpretation of the legal issues involved.
“The Governor of Osun State has instructed me as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to approach the court for proper interpretation and determination of the issues involved,” he stated.
The Attorney-General urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the dispute would be resolved through lawful judicial processes.
The development follows reports that the EFCC placed a “Post No Debit” restriction on an Osun State Government account domiciled with First Bank, a move that has sparked political and legal controversy ahead of the state’s governorship election.