President Bola Tinubu's directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to vacate the court order freezing the Osun State Government's account has triggered fresh questions over the independence of the anti-graft agency.

The controversy followed Tinubu's instruction that the EFCC return to court to seek the withdrawal of the order, saying although the commission acted within its statutory powers, the timing of the action, coming days before the August 15 governorship election, was inappropriate.

Tinubu said he was deeply embarrassed by the development, noting that actions by federal agencies are often attributed to the Presidency. The EFCC had earlier defended the account freeze as a routine action, insisting it was not politically motivated.

The development has drawn criticism from opposition figures, lawyers, other stakeholders who questioned whether the President has the authority to direct the EFCC, an agency established to independently investigate financial crimes.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Oba Maduabuchi argued that the President does not have the power to control the EFCC or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, while describing the intervention as understandable given concerns that the account freeze could be perceived as an attempt to influence the Osun election.

Maduabuchi also criticised the manner of the intervention, saying the matter should have been handled through the Attorney-General rather than through a public presidential directive. He argued that the EFCC should investigate specific funds allegedly diverted, rather than freeze the state's entire account.

The African Democratic Congress also questioned the President's explanation, particularly his reference to the court order authorising the freeze, adding to the wider debate over the independence of anti-corruption agencies, the rule of law.