Explosive Allegations: Fayose Claims Makinde Diverted N50bn Ibadan Blast Aid, Presents ‘Evidence’

By Emmanuel Kwada 

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of receiving N50 billion in federal intervention funds for the devastating 2024 Ibadan explosion, only to disburse a mere N4.5 billion to victims.

The explosive claim, accompanied by a contentious document, has ignited a fierce public feud, exposing deep rifts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and raising questions about accountability.

The controversy centers on the January 16, 2024, Bodija explosion, which claimed five lives, injured dozens, and destroyed over 200 homes due to illegally stored explosives.

Fayose, in a bold statement posted on X earlier today, alleged that the funds—approved by President Bola Tinubu’s administration—were largely diverted to fuel Makinde’s alleged presidential ambitions, contributing to the ongoing crisis within the PDP.

“Only N4.5 billion was released to victims,” Fayose asserted, challenging Makinde to sue him and promising further disclosures on undisclosed intervention funds.

The evidence presented by Fayose is an August 2024 letter from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, requesting ministerial approval for the N50 billion.

However, the document falls short of confirming actual disbursement, prompting swift backlash. Makinde, who has denied the allegations, demanded concrete proof, while critics on X, including @OgbeniDipo and @Akin_Malaolu, labeled the letter as mere evidence of a request, not payment, urging Fayose to produce disbursement vouchers.

The clash reflects escalating tensions within the PDP, with Fayose aligning himself closer to Tinubu’s camp amid factional disputes.

Makinde’s aide, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, dismissed Fayose’s credibility, calling the claims baseless and noting that Oyo State has disbursed approximately N4.8 billion in verified aid to victims.

The governor’s office insists no N50 billion was received, accusing Fayose of political mudslinging.

Stay tuned as this story develops.