Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A fierce political dispute has erupted in Nigeria’s southwest after former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose publicly accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of diverting N50 billion in federal intervention funds meant to aid victims of the January 2024 Ibadan explosion to his personal and political interests, a charge vehemently denied by the governor’s camp and sparking reactions from political parties and civil society groups.
The controversy erupted over the weekend after Fayose appeared on a national television programme, where he reiterated claims first made earlier this month that the presidency under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved a N50 billion special intervention package to support relief and reconstruction efforts in Ibadan following a devastating blast in the Bodija axis last year. According to Fayose, Makinde did not disclose the full extent of this federal support to the public, choosing instead to highlight only certain aspects of his interactions with the presidency.
In a move reflecting the escalating rhetoric, Fayose released what he described as documentary evidence — including a memo from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation detailing a request for the intervention funds — to substantiate his assertions that the money was allocated but largely diverted. He argued that only N4.5 billion was disbursed directly to explosion victims, accusing Makinde of channeling the remainder toward his reported presidential ambitions and political manoeuvres, a latter claim intertwined with broader tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Fayose also suggested that Makinde’s frequent public criticisms of the Tinubu administration and internal fractures within the PDP partly stemmed from this alleged diversion and political fallout, a narrative that has inflamed existing divisions within the party and among political commentators. He further challenged Makinde to pursue legal action if the allegations were untrue, asserting confidence in his supporting documents and pledging to release further evidence in due course.
Governor Makinde and his aides have responded forcefully to the accusations, dismissing them as baseless and lacking credible evidence. In a statement, the governor’s media adviser urged Fayose to substantiate his claim with clear proof, arguing that a request for funds does not equate to an actual transfer of money and emphasising the absence of any official confirmation from the presidency or the Federal Government that such a disbursement was made. Makinde’s camp also criticised Fayose’s credibility, with aides questioning his motives and track record.
The political fallout has extended beyond the two figures directly involved. The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has joined the fray, publicly demanding that Makinde account for the alleged N50 billion or step down from office. The party’s call for transparency reflects broader opposition pressure on the governor amid heightened scrutiny of state finances and relief programmes.
Meanwhile, a faction within the PDP known as Oyo PDP-Visionaries has rejected Fayose’s claims, denouncing them as misleading, unfounded and based on a misinterpretation of official documents. Party representatives criticised Fayose for presenting a request letter from the Ministry of Finance as evidence of approved funds and demanded that he produce documentation showing actual federal approval and disbursement before making further allegations. The group also defended Makinde’s leadership, framing the dispute as opportunistic politics rather than grounded fiscal oversight.
The genesis of the controversy traces back to the Bodija explosion, which killed and injured numerous residents and prompted the Federal Government to pledge support for affected communities. Since the incident, state and federal authorities have undertaken various relief efforts, including setting up committees to manage and disburse funds, allocate support for victims and oversee reconstruction. Previous official communication emphasised the need for due diligence and transparency in the management of disaster response funds, but specifics on federal disbursements and state accounting have been matters of public interest and debate.
Analysts note that the clash between Fayose and Makinde illustrates broader tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, where leadership credibility, financial accountability and governance effectiveness are pivotal issues. The dispute has drawn attention to how intervention funds are managed, the transparency of intergovernmental financial flows and political competition within and between major parties.
Observers caution that while political debate is a hallmark of democratic engagement, substantiating financial claims with verifiable evidence is critical to maintain public trust and avoid further erosion of confidence in governance. Independent audits, parliamentary oversight and civil society scrutiny have been suggested as mechanisms to clarify the status of intervention funds and ensure that relief reaches intended beneficiaries.
As the political drama unfolds, Makinde has continued to downplay the allegations, reaffirming his focus on governance and development priorities for Oyo State, while Fayose maintains his challenge, asserting that further disclosures will illuminate what he describes as a significant lapse in transparency with implications for public accountability and political ethics.
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