The Oyo State Government has clarified that it received ₦30 billion, not ₦50 billion, from the Federal Government following the January 2024 Ibadan explosion. The clarification came amid allegations by former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, made the clarification on Sunday. He described claims of a ₦50bn disbursement as misleading and inaccurate.
Fayose insists ₦50bn was approved
Fayose had earlier claimed during a television interview that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦50bn for Oyo State after the explosion. In response, Governor Makinde challenged him to provide evidence of the claim.
On Sunday, Fayose, through his former aide Lere Olayinka, shared documents on X, insisting they proved a ₦50bn federal intervention. He maintained that the Oyo State Government failed to fully disclose the funds.
Makinde aide explains what FG released
Olanrewaju dismissed Fayose’s interpretation of the documents, saying they reflected approval figures rather than actual disbursement. He explained that although the Federal Government promised ₦50bn, it released only ₦30bn.
According to him, Governor Makinde travelled to Abuja after the Bodija explosion to submit a detailed report and formally request federal support. He added that the remaining ₦20bn was withheld after Makinde rejected alleged demands for inducements.
How Oyo used the ₦30bn
Olanrewaju said a transparent committee oversaw the use of the released funds. He explained that ₦4.5bn, representing about 15 per cent, went directly to victims as immediate support.
Olanrewaju said the balance funded reconstruction projects, road repairs, security upgrades, and other recovery efforts. He added that rebuilding work remains ongoing, with plans for a memorial at the explosion site.
Fayose maintains allegation
Despite the clarification, Fayose maintained that only ₦4.5bn reached victims and accused the governor of diverting funds for political ambition. He also challenged Makinde to seek legal action over the claims.
Responding, Olanrewaju dismissed suggestions that Makinde was dishonest or disconnected from his party. He said the governor remains committed to transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Read also: Fayose Releases Evidence of N50bn Given to Makinde by FG
