Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has challenged former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose to present concrete proof that he received ₦50 billion intervention funds from the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu for victims of the January 16, 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.
This challenge comes in response to a statement and document Fayose released, which claimed that ₦50 billion was handed over to Governor Makinde as aid for the disaster relief efforts.
The explosion, caused by explosives illegally stored in a residence at 8A and 8B Aderinola Street in Bodija, resulted in the destruction of over 300 houses, loss of lives, numerous injuries, and extensive damage to property. In his statement, Fayose asserted, through his media aide Lere Olayinka, that the Federal Government had disbursed the ₦50 billion, labeling it an intervention fund for the victims.
Fayose further accused Governor Makinde of diverting the funds to support his presidential ambitions, alleging that only ₦4.5 billion was actually released to aid victims.
However, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary, dismissed Fayose’s claims as misleading and “deliberately disingenuous.”
He clarified that no ₦50 billion was received by the Governor, pointing out that the document Fayose circulated was actually a request and promise for funds, not proof of disbursement.
“The Federal Government promised ₦50 billion following Governor Makinde’s personal trip to Abuja, where he presented a detailed report and formal funding request after the tragedy,” Olanrewaju explained.
According to him, only ₦30 billion of the promised amount was released, while ₦20 billion was withheld due to demands for inducements linked to the remainder of the fund, which Makinde refused to meet.
“Governor Makinde never stayed silent on this; he acknowledged the Federal Government’s support by inaugurating a transparent committee to oversee relief fund disbursement, ensuring accountability and proper allocation,” Olanrewaju added.
He detailed that ₦4.5 billion—widely referenced by critics—was the direct cash support to victims, representing about 15 percent of the total ₦30 billion disbursed. The remaining funds were used for ongoing reconstruction efforts, including road repairs and memorial projects in the affected area, as well as upgrades to security to prevent recurrence.
Olanrewaju suggested that the distorted narrative around the fund is politically motivated, citing Makinde’s recent refusal to support President Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid as the likely trigger.
“This declaration by Governor Makinde has intensified political hostilities, prompting retaliatory moves such as the formation of a controversial PDP caretaker committee in Oyo State, which credible party figures have distanced themselves from,” he stated.
He concluded by reaffirming Makinde’s standing: “Governor Makinde remains committed to performance, integrity, and democracy. Falsehoods and half-truths will always fall apart under the weight of facts.”
As Nigeria approaches critical political junctures, Olanrewaju emphasized that Governor Makinde stands firm against intimidation and remains dedicated to truth and democracy.
