Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has publicly released documents claiming that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde received a total of N50 billion from the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. According to Fayose, the funds were part of a special intervention package intended to address the aftermath of the January 2024 explosion in Ibadan, an incident that caused significant destruction and loss of lives across several communities.
Fayose Provides Documentary Evidence
Fayose presented an official memo from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation as concrete evidence that Governor Makinde received the substantial allocation. The memo, according to Fayose, clearly details the disbursement and purpose of the funds. He stated that the release of this document came after Governor Makinde publicly challenged him to provide proof of the alleged federal allocation, adding that he was responding to calls for transparency in the matter.
Discrepancy in Fund Allocation
In his statement, Fayose alleged that out of the N50 billion received, only N4.5 billion was reportedly distributed to the victims of the Ibadan explosion. He accused Governor Makinde of diverting the remaining funds for purposes unrelated to disaster relief, claiming that a significant portion of the money was allegedly used to advance the governor’s political ambitions. Fayose emphasized that this mismanagement and diversion of funds contributed to ongoing crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“Meanwhile, only N4.5bn was released to victims of the Ibadan Explosion. Rather, he diverted this fund and many others to his Presidential ambition, which is the reason for the crisis in the PDP and his attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his government,” Fayose stated, highlighting the alleged financial irregularities and their political consequences.
Accusations Linked to PDP Crisis
Fayose further linked the alleged diversion of federal intervention funds to internal tensions within the PDP. He suggested that Governor Makinde’s public criticisms and attacks on President Tinubu and his administration are motivated by this financial controversy, implying that the alleged misappropriation of funds has created friction and distrust among party members. Fayose stressed that accountability and transparency remain essential, especially regarding federal allocations intended for disaster relief.
Challenge to Governor Makinde
Addressing Governor Makinde directly, Fayose dared him to take legal action, claiming that he possesses irrefutable evidence of the alleged fund diversion. He also mentioned that Oyo State has received other intervention funds from the Tinubu administration, which, according to Fayose, have not been publicly disclosed by the state government. Fayose’s bold stance reflects his demand for accountability and transparency in the management of public funds, particularly those allocated for emergency situations and humanitarian relief.
“I dare Governor Seyi Makinde to sue me on this,” Fayose stated emphatically. “There are also proofs of other intervention funds from Tinubu’s administration that the Oyo State Government received but did not make public.” He added that these documents and records can corroborate his claims and challenge the governor to address the allegations transparently.
The release of these documents has sparked renewed discussion and scrutiny of the management of federal intervention funds in Nigeria, with observers and political analysts closely monitoring responses from both the Oyo State Government and other federal agencies. Fayose’s revelations have intensified calls for transparency, proper accountability, and ethical governance in handling public resources, particularly those earmarked for disaster response and community relief.
See below documents provided by Fayose:
