Oyo Govt Reacts As Fayose’s ₦50bn Allegation Sparks Political Firestorm

The Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, has rejected claims by former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose that Makinde received ₦50 billion from President Bola Tinubu in the aftermath of the 2024 Ibadan explosion.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking in a telephone interview on Saturday, Olarenwaju challenged Fayose to back up his allegations with concrete evidence, insisting that the former governor lacks credibility. He argued that anyone making such a serious accusation must provide proof, adding that Fayose’s history undermines the weight of his claims.

The Ibadan explosion, which occurred in January 2024 at Adeyi Avenue, claimed five lives, left 77 people injured and destroyed about 55 houses. Governor Makinde later visited the Presidential Villa on January 22, 2024, where he submitted a report on the incident to President Tinubu.

Fayose had alleged during a TVC interview that Makinde secretly received ₦50 billion in support from the President following the explosion and failed to disclose it to Nigerians. He claimed the money did not pass through Oyo State’s treasury but was linked to Makinde’s meeting with Tinubu, arguing that the governor selectively shared details of their discussions while withholding this alleged financial support.

Reacting to the accusation, Olarenwaju dismissed it as baseless, questioning whether the Presidency or the Federal Government had ever acknowledged such a payment. He maintained that no ₦50 billion donation was made, stressing that without confirmation from official sources, Fayose’s claims should be disregarded.

The exchange comes amid heightened political tensions, following Makinde’s declaration that he would not support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and his refusal to help organise the APC in Oyo State. Fayose has also used the moment to criticise Makinde for publicly revealing private discussions and to restate his allegiance to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, while insisting he has no plans to defect to the APC.