Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has publicly accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of diverting N45.5 billion from a N50 billion federal intervention fund. The substantial allocation, reportedly from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, was designated for victims and recovery efforts following the devastating January 2024 explosion in Ibadan. Fayose presented what he described as documentary evidence, including a memo from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, to substantiate his claims, escalating a political feud between the two prominent Peoples Democratic Party figures.
The allegations surfaced after Governor Makinde reportedly challenged Fayose to provide proof of his initial assertions regarding the federal allocation. The Ibadan explosion, which occurred on January 16, 2024, resulted in multiple fatalities, numerous injuries, and extensive property damage, prompting a national outpouring of support and pledges for aid. The federal government, under President Tinubu, had pledged assistance to the state to manage the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction efforts.
Fayose, a vocal critic of Makinde, presented a memo, which he claims originated from the Accountant-General’s office, as definitive proof of the N50 billion disbursement to Oyo State. According to the former governor, only a fraction, specifically N4.5 billion, was ultimately released to the victims and for direct relief operations related to the explosion. This leaves a significant sum of N45.5 billion unaccounted for, according to Fayose’s narrative.
The former governor explicitly accused Governor Makinde of misdirecting the remaining N45.5 billion, alleging that the funds were channelled towards advancing Makinde’s personal political ambitions, rather than serving the intended purpose of post-disaster recovery. Fayose stated, “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.” This accusation places the alleged financial impropriety squarely within the context of Nigeria’s intricate political landscape.
Fayose further contended that Governor Makinde’s alleged diversion of these funds is directly linked to ongoing tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party, a major opposition party. He suggested that Makinde’s frequent criticisms of President Tinubu and the federal administration stem from a desire to obscure the alleged financial irregularities and to further his own political agenda. This narrative paints a picture of internal party strife exacerbated by accusations of financial misconduct and political opportunism.
In a defiant move, Fayose openly dared Governor Makinde to initiate legal proceedings against him, stating, “I dare Governor Seyi Makinde to sue me on this.” This challenge underscores the gravity of his allegations and suggests a readiness to defend his claims in a court of law. Such a public dare often signals a deep-seated confidence in the veracity of the information possessed by the accuser.
Beyond the N50 billion intervention, Fayose claimed to possess evidence of other federal intervention funds that the Oyo State Government has reportedly received from the Tinubu administration but has not disclosed to the public. “There are also proofs of other intervention funds from Tinubu’s administration that the Oyo State Government received but did not make public,” Fayose asserted, widening the scope of his accusations and implying a pattern of non-disclosure.
These allegations, if substantiated, raise significant questions about transparency, accountability, and the judicious use of public funds, especially those earmarked for humanitarian crises. Public trust is paramount in governance, and accusations of fund diversion, particularly in the aftermath of a tragedy, can severely erode confidence in state institutions and leadership. The principle of public disclosure for such substantial allocations is a cornerstone of good governance.
The unfolding drama between Fayose and Makinde highlights the often-turbulent nature of Nigerian politics, where inter-party and intra-party rivalries frequently play out in the public sphere, often involving serious accusations. Both politicians are influential figures within the PDP, and this conflict could have broader implications for the party’s cohesion and public image as it navigates its role as the primary opposition. The federal government may also face pressure to clarify the details of the N50 billion allocation and its intended use.
Given the gravity of the accusations and the significant amount of public funds involved, many observers will likely call for a thorough and independent investigation into the claims made by Fayose. Such an inquiry would be crucial to ascertain the facts, ensure accountability, and restore public confidence in the management of disaster relief funds. The outcome could significantly impact the political careers of both governors and set precedents for future federal-state financial relations.
