Return Tinubu’s ₦30bn!” — Fayose Blasts Makinde Over Ibadan Explosion Funds

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has urged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to refund the ₦30 billion intervention fund released by the Federal Government for victims of the January 16, 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Fayose said his call followed Makinde’s acknowledgement that the funds had remained unused since they were received.

In a statement issued on Thursday through his spokesperson, Femi Philips, Fayose expressed surprise that the Oyo State government only confirmed receiving the ₦30 billion—alongside an additional ₦20 billion balance—after public controversy erupted over the total ₦50 billion intervention package.

According to Fayose, since the governor admitted the ₦30 billion had been kept in the bank since 2024, the funds should be returned to the Federal Government to enable direct assistance to the intended beneficiaries.

“The Federal Government has the capacity to reach the victims of the explosion, especially since the state government appears to have politicised their welfare,” he said.

Fayose further argued that the funds would have generated significant interest while sitting idle.

“₦30 billion left in a bank for about 18 months would have yielded no less than ₦4.5 billion at a 10 per cent interest rate,” he said, adding that Makinde should refund at least ₦34.5 billion.

Emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability in public office, Fayose said his comments were aimed at highlighting what he described as hypocrisy in the handling of the matter.

He accused Makinde of selectively sharing details of his engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while failing to disclose information about the intervention funds approved for the explosion victims.

“If he had not gone on national television to publicise aspects of his meeting with the President that suited him, while concealing the request for—and approval of—a ₦50 billion intervention fund, this issue would not have arisen,” Fayose said.

He also cautioned the Oyo State governor against politicising the matter and dragging the President into what he termed excessive presidential ambition.

“You cannot disclose only what benefits you and withhold what should benefit others. As Yoruba people, we will not allow the President’s name and image to be damaged in pursuit of personal political ambitions,” he added.