Adeleke Reveals What Tinubu Told Him Over Osun Account Freeze
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told him he was embarrassed after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze the state government’s account.
Adeleke made this known on Tuesday while speaking at the Arise Town Hall involving candidates in the Osun governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
He was responding to questions about his relationship with Tinubu, the EFCC action and allegations that the Federal Government was interfering in the election.
The governor said Tinubu personally contacted him after the account was frozen and made it clear that he did not approve the action.
According to Adeleke, the president described the development as unacceptable and assured him that the governorship election would be conducted freely and fairly.
Adeleke said the conversation with Tinubu convinced him that the president was not behind the decision to restrict access to the state’s account.
He claimed that some individuals had been using the president’s name when dealing with federal agencies without his direct knowledge.
The governor specifically accused his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, of using his close relationship with Tinubu to exert influence within the Federal Government. Oyetola is a cousin of the president.
Adeleke said Tinubu had many national duties and could not be aware of every action carried out by government agencies in his name.
He alleged that Oyetola had been presenting certain actions as instructions from the president in an attempt to put pressure on his administration.
The governor further claimed that Oyetola was behind the move that resulted in the EFCC freezing the Osun government’s account.
He said the situation became clearer after Tinubu contacted him and expressed his displeasure over what had happened.
According to Adeleke, Tinubu’s reaction showed that the president was not willing to support any action that could weaken democratic processes or affect the credibility of the Osun election.
The governor also linked the development to the political rivalry between his administration and Oyetola.
He alleged that the former governor was unhappy with his previous defeat and was working to influence the outcome of the coming election.
Adeleke accused Oyetola of attempting to use federal influence against the Osun State Government by invoking Tinubu’s name.
He said such actions should not be allowed to create instability or affect the people of the state.
He maintained that Osun State belonged to all its residents and should not be controlled by one political group.
The governor said he would continue to oppose any move that he believes could threaten the interests of the people or interfere with the electoral process.
Adeleke also said Tinubu’s promise of a free and fair election was important because the outcome should be determined by voters in Osun rather than through pressure from federal institutions.
The governor insisted that the dispute was mainly a political matter involving him and Oyetola and said he was confident that the people of Osun would decide who would govern them through the ballot.
