By, Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan

The Oyo State Government has dismissed allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Governor Seyi Makinde was attempting to shield his administration from investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The government insisted that the Makinde’s administration has nothing to hide and only sought judicial clarification on the anti-graft agency’s powers.

The government’s reaction was contained in a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, maintaining that the decision to approach the Federal High Court was not an attempt to frustrate any investigation but to challenge what it described as a “blanket and speculative” request by the EFCC for records of all contracts and transactions with contractors between 2021 and 2025.

According to the government, Governor Makinde’s administration has managed the state’s finances prudently, citing investments in road infrastructure, primary healthcare, education, civil service recruitment, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and initiatives aimed at creating a business-friendly environment.

The statement explained that the EFCC had written to the state’s Accountant-General requesting copies of all contracts and details of transactions with contractors within the specified period.

It noted that the government responded by asking the Commission to identify the specific contractors or companies under investigation to enable it provide the relevant documents, but alleged that the anti-graft agency failed to respond.

Consequently, the state government approached the Federal High Court to determine whether the EFCC could lawfully make such a sweeping request without linking it to any specific investigation.

According to Olanrewaju, the court affirmed the statutory powers of the EFCC to investigate financial crimes but held that the agency’s demand amounted to a “fishing expedition.”

He said Justice Nkeonye Maha set aside the EFCC’s letter dated June 2, 2025, and ruled that any request for information by the Commission must be reasonable and tied to identifiable allegations or investigations.

“The judge emphasized that Section 38 of the EFCC Act empowers the Commission to demand information only in relation to investigations of offences under the Act and not for speculative or roving enquiries,” the statement read.

The government maintained that seeking judicial interpretation of the EFCC’s investigative powers was a constitutional right and should not be misconstrued as an attempt to evade scrutiny saying: “It is neither cowardice nor an act of fear.

“Governor Makinde and the Oyo State Government are not afraid of the EFCC or any other federal agency. The state’s account books will be made available whenever a proper and lawful request is made,” Olanrewaju stated.

The government further described the APC’s interpretation of the court ruling as misleading and legally unfounded, stressing that approaching the courts for constitutional interpretation does not amount to an admission of wrongdoing.

The response followed criticism by the Oyo State chapter of the APC, which accused Governor Makinde of attempting to prevent the EFCC from examining financial records of his administration.

Recall, the opposition party had, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s legal action as “appalling and shameful,” arguing that accountability remained a fundamental principle of public administration.

The APC alleged that Makinde’s administration was resisting legitimate scrutiny and questioned why the government would seek to stop the anti-graft agency from obtaining records relating to contracts awarded between 2021 and date.

The party further alleged that several major government projects, including the exercise book printing programme, Lekan Salami Stadium rehabilitation, Ibadan Circular Road project, Agodi Government House renovation, bus terminal construction, Alakia Airport upgrade, alleged sale of government properties and deductions from workers’ salaries, should be thoroughly investigated.

It maintained that the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies would eventually scrutinize the administration’s financial activities and insisted that public officials must account for the management of state resources.