The Osun State Government has rejected allegations that ₦11 billion was looted from its coffers, calling the claim unfounded and politically driven. In a statement released Thursday on X by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi, the government said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's reported accusation was an attempt to justify the illegal freezing of the state's bank accounts. It alleged the EFCC acted on the directive of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola to block the disbursement of palliatives promised to state workers. Despite the account freeze, the government claimed it had successfully paid the palliatives to all workers after negotiations.
The state government accused the EFCC of conducting a prolonged investigation since March 2026 without uncovering evidence of financial misconduct. It described the probe as a "witch-hunting" exercise designed to distract officials from governance. Officials were quoted as saying the commission's actions amounted to harassment and violated due process. The government insisted that all available funds had been spent on infrastructure, workers' welfare and sectoral development, adding there was "no fund to loot" given the limited resources. It challenged the EFCC to present credible evidence and follow legal procedures if corruption were suspected.
According to the statement, the EFCC's explanation for the account freeze—issued in relation to the August 15 governorship election—was a cover-up for an action that had already failed. The government dismissed the agency's position as an afterthought, maintaining its integrity and commitment to public service delivery. It denied any misappropriation of ecological or state funds and rejected the notion that looting had occurred. The statement concluded with a firm declaration: "We don't loot public funds in Osun State; we deliver on public goods and services."
The state government accuses the EFCC of freezing accounts to block palliative payments, yet confirms those payments were made regardless. If the funds were available for disbursement after the freeze, it raises questions about the timing and necessity of the EFCC's action. The claim of a politically motivated investigation remains unchallenged in the statement, with no offer of independent verification.
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