“Show Your Proof” — Makinde Dismisses Fayose’s Claims Explains Federal Support Received

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Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has firmly rejected allegations that he received ₦50 billion from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and misused the funds, describing the claims as false, misleading, and politically driven.

The governor’s response was conveyed in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, following accusations by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose. Fayose had alleged that Makinde collected ₦50 billion from the Federal Government as relief for victims of the 2024 Ibadan explosion but failed to apply the money for its intended purpose.

Makinde dismissed the allegation outright, insisting that no such amount was ever disbursed to Oyo State. He challenged Fayose to publicly present any verifiable evidence to support his claims.

According to the statement, what exists regarding the ₦50 billion is merely a request and a promise, not an actual transfer of funds.

“The Federal Government did not release ₦50 billion to Governor Makinde. What is on record is a proposal and a commitment, not a payment,” the statement clarified. “Even the documents being circulated only outline what was requested, not what was approved or released.”

The statement confirmed that Governor Makinde travelled to Abuja after the Ibadan explosion to formally seek federal assistance, particularly after President Tinubu did not visit the state following the incident.

While the Federal Government initially indicated a ₦50 billion intervention package, the statement disclosed that only ₦30 billion was eventually released.

“A commitment does not equal a release,” Olanrewaju stated. “When funds were eventually approved, only ₦30 billion was paid. The balance of ₦20 billion was not released following alleged requests for inducements linked to its disbursement—requests the governor firmly rejected.”

The media aide emphasized that the funds received have been transparently and responsibly utilized. He explained that a portion of the ₦30 billion was paid directly to victims as immediate financial relief, while the remaining amount was applied to reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts within the affected Bodija axis.

He noted that damaged infrastructure has been repaired, rebuilding efforts are ongoing, and plans are in place to construct a memorial at the explosion site to honour those who lost their lives.

“What is important is how the funds that were actually received were used,” the statement said.

Olanrewaju further clarified that the frequently mentioned ₦4.5 billion figure represents direct cash compensation paid to victims, including landlords and tenants, and accounts for roughly 15 per cent of the total funds released.

“The governor ensured that victims received direct support while also financing broader government interventions. Anyone who visits the area can see the reconstruction work firsthand,” he added.

Allegations Linked to Politics

The statement also accused Fayose of weaponising the issue for political reasons, particularly after Governor Makinde publicly declared he would not support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

“That declaration marked a shift. Almost immediately, political attacks were triggered,” the statement noted.

Addressing internal party issues, the media aide dismissed reports of attempts by a group allegedly aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to impose a caretaker committee on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.

Olanrewaju stressed that efforts to portray Makinde as dishonest or estranged from his party would fail, describing him as one of the few PDP governors whose mandate is built on performance and public confidence.

“Governor Makinde will not yield to political intimidation,” the statement concluded. “Falsehoods may provide momentary relief to those who engage in political mischief, but facts will always prevail.”