OSOGBO — Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused his predecessor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, of allegedly influencing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze the state government’s account.
Adeleke made the allegation on Tuesday during the Arise Town Hall Meeting for Osun governorship candidates, held ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The governor alleged that Oyetola had been using his relationship with President Bola Tinubu and invoking the President’s name while allegedly putting pressure on federal government agencies to take actions against the Osun State Government.
According to Adeleke, Oyetola had allegedly made several demands while claiming that President Tinubu had directed relevant government institutions to act.
“I am sure he (Oyetola) told EFCC to freeze our account, that Mr. President said it should be frozen,” Adeleke alleged.
He, however, said the situation changed after President Tinubu personally contacted him over the matter.
Adeleke claimed that during the conversation, the President expressed shock and embarrassment over the development, while assuring him that he was committed to ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
“So, when Mr President called, a lot of people were shocked. Because when Mr President called, he said he was embarrassed. He said it is not acceptable because I told him, the President, that he would not want democracy to go down; he wants a free and fair election,” Adeleke said.
The governor also accused Oyetola of allegedly using his closeness to Tinubu to advance his political interests in Osun State.
Adeleke further claimed that his predecessor was still affected by his defeat in the 2022 governorship election and was allegedly seeking to use federal institutions against the state government.
“Oyetola is feeling that pain of defeat. He is only using the President to vow that he will destroy Osun State. He is using federal might,” the governor alleged.
The political rivalry between Adeleke and Oyetola dates back to the 2022 Osun governorship election, in which Adeleke defeated Oyetola, who was the incumbent governor at the time.
The two politicians are again on opposing sides ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with Adeleke seeking re-election for another four-year term.
Oyetola, who served as governor of Osun State from 2018 to 2022, is currently a member of the Federal Executive Council, where he serves as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Adeleke’s allegations were made during the televised town hall meeting as the candidates intensified their campaigns and presented their positions on issues affecting the state ahead of the election.
