Mr. Oluwole Jimi-Bada, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice for Osun State, has formally asserted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) does not possess the legal standing to freeze the state government’s statutory account. This declaration followed reports that the anti-graft agency had restricted access to the state’s funds held at First Bank.
Speaking in Osogbo, Jimi-Bada clarified that the state respects the functions of federal institutions. However, he emphasized that existing laws, specifically the EFCC Act of 2004 and the Money Laundering Act, do not grant the commission the power to interfere with state statutory accounts. He noted that these accounts are critical for meeting government responsibilities, such as paying staff salaries, pensions, and funding public healthcare, education, and security.
The Attorney-General stated that this position is rooted in constitutional principles rather than political opposition. He added that the state remains committed to transparency and is not against legitimate investigations. To resolve the dispute, Governor Ademola Adeleke has authorized the Attorney-General to seek a judicial interpretation of the matter in a court of law. Officials have asked the public to maintain composure while the legal process unfolds.
