Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has released documents he claims prove that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State received ₦50 billion from the Federal Government for victims of the January 2024 Ibadan explosion.
He alleges only ₦4.5 billion has been approved for the victims.
The Oyo State Government has strongly denied these claims and has challenged Fayose to provide evidence or stop “spreading falsehoods”.
Fayose’s Allegations vs. Oyo State’s Response
Here is a breakdown of the key claims and denials in this developing situation:
Fayose’s Allegations
· The Claim: Oyo State received a ₦50 billion special intervention fund from President Tinubu for the Ibadan explosion.
· Evidence Presented: Fayose released a memo he claims is from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. See image below
· Core Accusation: Only ₦4.5 billion was approved for victims, and the rest was diverted.
· Challenge to Makinde: He has dared Governor Makinde to take him to court if the claims are false.
Oyo State’s Response
· Official Denial: The governor’s spokesperson has dismissed the claims as baseless and lacking substance.
· Demand for Proof: They have challenged Fayose to publicly provide verifiable evidence to support his allegations.
· Defense of Actions: The government states all actions regarding relief for the explosion have been transparent and properly documented.
The Ibadan Explosion: Official Aid and Victims’ Plea
The accusations center on government support for an event that caused significant damage:
· The Tragedy: On January 16, 2024, an explosion in Ibadan’s Bodija area killed 5 people, injured 77, and damaged 55 houses. An official report put the number of affected persons at 335, with 58 houses and several businesses and schools damaged.
· Approved State Relief: In May 2025, the Oyo State Government approved ₦4.5 billion in financial support for victims. The government noted it had previously spent over ₦200 million on emergency accommodation, feeding, and medical bills.
· Victims’ Statement: As of May 2025, victims had publicly appealed to the governor to “honour his promise” and release the approved funds, stating they were still waiting for disbursement 11 weeks after a committee submitted its report.
Key Information Still Missing
To fully understand this situation, several critical details from the conflicting claims remain unclear:
· Verification of Documents: The authenticity and contents of the memo from the Accountant-General’s office released by Fayose have not been independently verified.
· Federal Government’s Position: There has been no official statement from the Federal Government confirming or denying the alleged ₦50 billion payment.
· Status of the ₦4.5 Billion: It is unclear if the ₦4.5 billion approved by the Oyo State Executive Council in May 2025 has been fully disbursed to the victims yet.
What Could Happen Next?
This political dispute may develop in a few ways:
· Legal Action: Governor Makinde could accept Fayose’s challenge and file a lawsuit for defamation.
· Further Disclosure: Fayose has stated he possesses evidence about other federal intervention funds and Oyo State’s IGR, which he may release.
· Official Investigation: The allegations could prompt an inquiry by anti-graft agencies like the EFCC, though none has been announced.
