Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has vehemently denied allegations made by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, claiming that he received ₦50 billion from President Bola Tinubu to manage the aftermath of the January 2024 Ibadan explosion. Makinde has challenged Fayose to publicly present evidence supporting the claim, labeling the allegations as baseless and misleading.
The controversy stems from comments made by Fayose during a televised interview, where he alleged that the funds were released by the Presidency following the tragic explosion but were not paid into Oyo State Government’s official accounts. Fayose questioned the transparency of the handling of the funds, sparking intense debate.
The January 2024 explosion in Ibadan resulted in five fatalities, injured at least 77 people, and destroyed approximately 55 houses. Governor Makinde had visited President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to submit a detailed report on the explosion and seek federal support for recovery efforts.
Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, dismissed the allegations as unfounded, stating that no such amount was received by the Oyo State Government from the Federal Government. Olarenwaju challenged Fayose and others making similar claims to provide verifiable proof, emphasizing that public commentary without evidence constitutes deliberate misinformation.
The Oyo State Government maintains that all funds and interventions related to the Ibadan explosion were handled transparently, with clear records of disbursements made to victims and affected communities. Relief materials, compensation, and reconstruction efforts followed due process, prioritizing the welfare of those impacted by the disaster.
Olarenwaju’s statement highlighted the administration’s commitment to accountability, stressing that the government remains open to scrutiny from relevant authorities and the public. The government urges citizens to disregard the unfounded allegations and focus on supporting the affected communities.
Fayose’s allegations followed a similar claim by his former aide, Lere Olayinka, who alleged that only ₦4.5 billion was released to victims despite the alleged receipt of ₦50 billion. Olayinka’s post sparked widespread reactions, prompting the current controversy.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders await concrete evidence or further clarification from the involved parties. The situation highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government dealings, particularly in times of crisis.
