By Adesakin Adefemi
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, has confirmed that the state received N30 billion from the Federal Government as relief funds for the January 2024 Ibadan explosion, contradicting former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose’s claim of N50 billion.
Olanrewaju explained that the federal government had promised a N50 billion support package, but only N30 billion was released. The remaining N20 billion was withheld due to unspecified reasons.
Fayose had alleged that Makinde diverted the funds meant for explosion victims to finance his presidential ambitions. However, Olanrewaju dismissed these claims as misleading and politically motivated.
According to Olanrewaju, Makinde personally travelled to Abuja to request federal support after the explosion, which killed several people and destroyed homes.
The Oyo State Government had set up a committee to oversee the disbursement of relief funds, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Of the N30 billion released, some funds were transferred directly to victims as immediate support, while the remainder was used for rebuilding and restoration efforts.
Olanrewaju questioned why Makinde would publicly disclose negotiations around a national tragedy, emphasizing that the focus should be on the support provided to victims.
Fayose had challenged Makinde to sue him over the allegations, claiming he has documentary evidence of other intervention funds received by Oyo State from the Tinubu administration.
Makinde’s administration maintains that all actions taken in response to the explosion were transparent and aimed at supporting victims and restoring affected communities.
The controversy has sparked heated debate among Nigerians, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the management of relief funds.
