Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has triggered a significant political storm by publicly releasing documents he claims substantiate allegations that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde received a substantial N50 billion from the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, designated as emergency support. These funds, Fayose asserts, were specifically approved following the devastating Ibadan explosion in January 2024, an incident that caused widespread destruction and prompted urgent calls for federal intervention. This serious accusation emerges after Governor Makinde had previously vehemently denied such claims, challenging his accusers to provide concrete evidence.
The January 2024 explosion in Ibadan, attributed to stockpiled explosives, resulted in multiple fatalities, injuries, and extensive property damage across residential and commercial areas. The scale of the disaster necessitated immediate humanitarian and infrastructural responses, leading to widespread expectations of significant federal assistance to aid reconstruction and victim support. Governor Makinde’s administration, while acknowledging the need for support, had maintained that federal financial assistance beyond routine allocations was not received, setting a direct confrontation with Fayose’s recent disclosures.
In a direct and forceful rebuttal to Makinde’s earlier denial and challenge, Fayose unveiled what he presented as documentary evidence. He specifically alleged that out of the purported N50 billion federal allocation, only a meagre N4.5 billion was ultimately disbursed to the victims and affected communities of the Ibadan explosion. The former governor controversially claimed that the remaining, much larger sum was illicitly diverted, primarily to finance Governor Makinde’s undeclared, yet widely speculated, presidential aspirations.
Through a signed statement widely circulated to the media, Fayose articulated his rationale for making these sensitive documents public. He stated his intention was to enable the Nigerian populace to independently assess the financial transparency and accountability of the Oyo State Government. Demonstrating unwavering confidence in his assertions, Fayose explicitly challenged Governor Makinde to initiate legal action against him, asserting that such a move would only further expose what he termed as financial impropriety.
Fayose’s allegations did not stop at the N50 billion claim. He further contended that his investigations had uncovered records indicating that other forms of financial support extended to Oyo State by President Tinubu’s administration remained undisclosed to the public. These additional claims suggest a broader pattern of non-disclosure regarding federal financial inflows, intensifying scrutiny on the state’s financial reporting mechanisms and its adherence to principles of open governance.
Adding another layer to the unfolding controversy, Fayose also asserted possession of verifiable documents that, he claims, reveal the actual Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) figures for Oyo State. He stated that these figures significantly diverge from the official IGR statistics publicly reported by Governor Makinde’s administration. This particular allegation directly questions the integrity of the state’s economic data and its financial management practices, potentially impacting investor confidence and public perception.
The former Ekiti governor reiterated his steadfast confidence in the accuracy and robustness of his claims, asserting that he would not have ventured such weighty accusations without substantial and corroborating evidence. He cryptically hinted at possessing an arsenal of additional documents and pertinent information, suggesting a potential for further disclosures. Fayose stated that these supplementary materials could be released at a later juncture, if circumstances warranted, implying that the current revelations might only represent the initial phase of a more comprehensive exposé.
These explosive allegations emerge against a backdrop of complex political dynamics within Nigeria, marked by intense inter-party rivalries and internal power struggles, particularly within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Fayose, a vocal and often controversial figure, has a history of engaging in high-profile political confrontations. His current accusations against Governor Makinde, a prominent PDP leader, could exacerbate existing factionalism within the party and reshape political alliances and calculations in the lead-up to future electoral contests.
The gravity of the accusations, especially those pertaining to the alleged diversion of funds intended for humanitarian relief, mandates a rigorous and impartial investigation. Such claims, if ultimately substantiated, carry profound implications for public trust in governance, the accountability of public officials, and the ethical management of state resources. The unfolding situation places significant pressure on both Governor Makinde’s administration to provide a transparent defense and relevant oversight bodies to initiate thorough inquiries.
Political analysts suggest that the ongoing spat between Fayose and Makinde could also be interpreted as a strategic manoeuvre, potentially aimed at influencing public opinion or gaining political leverage ahead of future elections. Regardless of the underlying motivations, the public release of alleged evidence necessitates a comprehensive and verifiable response from the Oyo State Government, addressing each specific claim with clarity and demonstrable proof, to mitigate potential damage to its credibility.
