Makinde Denies Fayose’s Claims Of Diverting N50 Billion Ibadan Explosion Fund
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed claims by former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose that he misappropriated part of a N50 billion federal intervention fund provided after the January 2024 Ibadan explosion, describing the allegations as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
Fayose had alleged that Makinde received N50 billion from the federal government but failed to disclose it publicly, claiming that a significant portion was allegedly diverted for political purposes.
In response, Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, clarified on Sunday that the federal government released only N30 billion to Oyo State, not N50 billion as claimed.
“The federal government did not give Governor Makinde N50 billion. What exists on record is a request and a promise, not a disbursement,” Olanrewaju said, adding that the documents cited to support Fayose’s claim reflected only a proposal, not an actual release of funds.
The statement explained that following the January 2024 explosion in Bodija, Ibadan—which caused fatalities and property damage—Governor Makinde traveled to Abuja with a detailed assessment report seeking federal intervention, particularly after President Bola Tinubu did not visit the state.
Olanrewaju noted that while the federal government initially promised a N50 billion intervention package, only N30 billion was eventually released. “A promise is not a release. When it was time to act, only N30 billion was released,” he said, adding that the remaining N20 billion was withheld after demands linked to inducements were introduced, which Makinde rejected.
He emphasized that the governor deliberately avoided publicizing the negotiations surrounding the tragedy, choosing instead to focus on relief and recovery efforts for affected residents.
