The Oyo State Government has pushed back against claims that it received ₦50 billion from the Federal Government after the January 2024 explosion in Ibadan, insisting that only ₦30 billion was released for intervention and recovery efforts.
The clarification came on Sunday through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, following allegations made by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, during a television interview.
Fayose had alleged that President Bola Tinubu approved ₦50 billion for Oyo State after the Bodija explosion and accused Makinde of failing to fully disclose the funds.
Makinde responded by challenging Fayose to present evidence. Subsequently, Fayose, through his former aide, Lere Olayinka, shared documents on X, maintaining that they supported his claim of a ₦50 billion federal intervention.
Reacting, Olanrewaju dismissed the allegations as misleading and politically motivated, arguing that the documents circulated by Fayose did not show any ₦50 billion disbursement.
“The Federal Government did not give Governor Makinde ₦50 billion. The memo being paraded actually shows funds that were approved but not released,” Olanrewaju said.
He explained that after the Bodija explosion, President Tinubu did not visit Oyo State, adding that Makinde travelled to Abuja with a detailed report and a formal request for assistance.
Olanrewaju stated that while the Federal Government initially promised ₦50 billion, only ₦30 billion was eventually released, with the balance of ₦20 billion withheld.
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“When it was time for disbursement, only ₦30 billion was released. The remaining ₦20 billion was not paid after the governor rejected demands for inducements tied to the balance,” he said.
He stressed that the focus should be on how the released funds were utilised, noting that a transparent committee was set up to oversee disbursement and ensure accountability.
According to him, part of the ₦30 billion went directly to victims of the explosion as immediate support, while the remaining funds were channelled into rebuilding and restoration efforts.
Olanrewaju added that reconstruction is ongoing, with damaged roads repaired, security measures upgraded, and plans underway for a memorial at the explosion site.
Fayose, however, maintained his position, alleging that only ₦4.5 billion was paid directly to victims and accusing Makinde of diverting the rest to advance a presidential ambition.
He also challenged the governor to take legal action, claiming he had further documents relating to other federal intervention funds allegedly not disclosed.
Responding, Olanrewaju said the ₦4.5 billion represented direct support to victims, amounting to about 15 per cent of the ₦30 billion released, with the remainder deployed for reconstruction and other interventions.
He dismissed claims that Makinde was dishonest or disconnected from his party, describing them as unfounded, and reaffirmed that the governor’s administration remained committed to transparency and accountability.
“Truth does not need protection. It only needs to be told fully, clearly, and without fear,” Olanrewaju said.
Punch News
