Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticised the reported Osun account freeze by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that the move reflects a growing pattern of deploying federal institutions against opposition-controlled states. Makinde said while public officials must remain accountable, law enforcement agencies should carry out their responsibilities with fairness, professionalism and political neutrality.

The governor made the remarks in a message shared on his official X account on Thursday, following reports that the EFCC secured a court order freezing Osun State Government accounts just days before the state’s governorship election.

According to Makinde, no government should be exempt from investigation, but anti-corruption agencies must avoid actions capable of creating the perception of selective enforcement. He argued that using institutions to target particular states or political figures weakens public confidence in those institutions and undermines their credibility.

Commenting on the reported Osun account freeze, Makinde questioned whether the action was consistent with the powers granted to the EFCC under Nigerian law.

He maintained that freezing an official state government account without following due legal process would amount to an overreach of the commission’s statutory authority. The governor stressed that adherence to the rule of law remains essential in preserving public confidence in democratic institutions.

Makinde also expressed concern over the timing of the reported account restriction, noting that it occurred only days before the Osun governorship election. He suggested that the development could be interpreted as an attempt to influence the electoral process, warning that such actions risk eroding confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system.

The Oyo governor urged all federal institutions to remain faithful to their constitutional responsibilities by operating with impartiality, professionalism and political neutrality.

He also called on Nigerians, civil society organisations and the international community to remain vigilant in defending democratic institutions from political interference. According to Makinde, preserving the independence and credibility of public institutions is vital to sustaining public trust, insisting that the rule of law must always take precedence over political interests.