Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has made a startling revelation, alleging that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde received N50 billion from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as support for the aftermath of the Ibadan explosion, but has failed to transparently account for the funds or publicly acknowledge the president’s gesture. Fayose disclosed this in a Friday interview with TVC, criticizing Makinde for selectively sharing skewed details of his conversation with President Tinubu.
Fayose stated that Tinubu provided the N50 billion aid specifically to help Oyo State manage the impact of the explosion, but Makinde has not clarified to Nigerians how the money was utilized. “The president of Nigeria, yes, he wanted the sitting; he wanted the minister to be appointed. Circumstances did not allow him to get that slot. But you did not tell Nigerians you got, at the prerogative, at the mercy of Mr. President, 50 billion Naira in support of the explosion in Ibadan,” Fayose asserted, questioning Makinde’s narrative.
The former governor emphasized that the N50 billion did not directly enter Oyo State’s coffers, raising concerns about the handling of the funds. “The 50 billion did not come into the coffers of Oyo state. It came with you coming to interface with the president because you came and said you met with the president,” Fayose alleged, suggesting potential misappropriation of the aid.
Fayose further accused Makinde of twisting his interaction with Tinubu, focusing only on a purported directive to mobilize APC support while omitting the substantial financial assistance given. “You only said the part where you said the president told you to ‘go and organize APC for me,’ and I said, ‘I cannot organize.’ But you did not tell Nigerians what the president did for you and did for the good people of your state,” he criticized.
According to Fayose, Makinde’s actions indicate a betrayal of trust, especially considering the magnitude of the Ibadan explosion’s impact on the people of Oyo State. He questioned why Makinde would conceal the president’s financial support if it was genuinely aimed at alleviating the suffering of explosion victims.
The controversy adds to existing political tensions, with Fayose previously accusing Makinde of undermining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West. Makinde, in a recent interview, had declared he is not backing President Tinubu in 2027 a statement Fayose now ties to alleged ingratitude over the N50 billion aid.
Tinubu’s administration has not officially commented on the allegation, nor has Governor Makinde responded publicly to Fayose’s claims as of press time. The Ibadan explosion, which prompted the federal aid, was a tragic incident that caused significant damage and displacement, making the deployment and impact of the N50 billion a matter of urgent public interest.
Fayose’s remarks underscore growing scrutiny of political leaders’ accountability in Nigeria, particularly regarding emergency funds and disaster relief. If proven true, the allegations could fuel debates on transparency, governance, and political loyalty in the run-up to the 2027 elections.
