Makinde’s spokesman disputes Fayose’s ₦50bn Bodija relief fund claim

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, has rejected claims by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose that the federal government released ₦50 billion to Oyo State after the January 2024 Bodija explosion.

Olanrewaju described the allegation as false and misleading, stating that President Bola Tinubu only approved a ₦50 billion support package in principle, not a full disbursement.

According to him, Governor Makinde submitted a detailed report and formal request to the federal government, after which only ₦30 billion was released, while the remaining ₦20 billion was withheld.

He alleged that the release of the balance was tied to demands for inducements, which Makinde declined, insisting on transparency.

Olanrewaju said the governor had publicly acknowledged the federal government’s intervention during the inauguration of a committee set up to manage the relief funds, adding that ₦4.5 billion was paid directly to victims as immediate assistance.

He questioned the motive behind the renewed controversy, attributing it to political hostilities following Makinde’s stance against President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The spokesman described the allegations as political mischief, stressing that Makinde’s mandate is based on performance, credibility and public trust.