₦50bn or What? Makinde’s Aide Reveals Actual Amount Released by FG for Ibadan Explosion
Recent claims credited to former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, alleging that the Federal Government handed ₦50 billion to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde—which he supposedly kept silent about while stockpiling funds for a future presidential ambition—have been described as misleading and deliberately disingenuous.
Reacting to the allegation, the Oyo State Government made it clear that no such ₦50 billion was ever released to the state.
“The Federal Government did not give Governor Makinde ₦50 billion. This is precisely why Fayose could not provide evidence of disbursement when challenged,” the statement noted.
Documents circulated by Fayose, according to the government, only showed a request and a promise, not an approval or payment.
Promise Is Not a Release
Following the tragic January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan, which claimed lives, destroyed properties, and displaced residents, Governor Makinde personally travelled to Abuja with a detailed report and formally requested Federal Government support.
Although the Federal Government promised a ₦50 billion intervention, only ₦30 billion was eventually released. The remaining ₦20 billion, the state claims, was withheld after the governor allegedly refused to meet inducement conditions tied to its release.
“A promise, however, is not a release,” the statement stressed.
Accountability in Fund Utilisation
Governor Makinde, the statement recalled, publicly acknowledged Federal Government support during the inauguration of a transparent committee established to manage the relief funds.
Of the ₦30 billion released:
- ₦4.5 billion (15%) was paid directly to victims, including landlords and tenants.
- The balance was used for reconstruction, road repairs, and infrastructure restoration within the affected axis.
- Security architecture and safety policies were also upgraded to prevent future occurrences.
- A memorial is planned at the explosion ground zero to honour victims.
The state government insists these interventions are verifiable, with reconstruction work ongoing in the affected communities.
Politics Behind the Narrative?
The statement linked the resurgence of the controversy to Governor Makinde’s recent declaration that he would not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing concerns over an alleged move toward a one-party state.
It also referenced attempts by groups aligned with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to impose a caretaker committee on the Oyo PDP—moves which reportedly failed as key figures distanced themselves from the exercise.
“These actions are not driven by principle, but desperation,” the statement asserted.
Final Word
According to the government, Governor Makinde’s political strength is anchored in performance, credibility, and popular mandate, not political theatrics.
“Half-truths may offer temporary comfort, but they always collapse under the weight of facts,” the statement concluded.
The clarification was signed by Dr. Olanrewaju,
Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor of Oyo State.
Egalitarian Voice reports.
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