Oyo Govt: N30bn, Not N50bn, Released for Bodija Blast

Oyo State Government has firmly rebutted claims by former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose that Governor Seyi Makinde received N50 billion from the Federal Government following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan. Only N30 billion was released, with the balance withheld over alleged inducement demands, according to a statement by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju ​. The controversy erupted after Makinde publicly distanced himself from supporting President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid ​.

Dispute Origins

Fayose accused Makinde of concealing N50 billion in federal aid, claiming the funds were largely diverted while only N4.5 billion reached victims. He shared a memo from the Accountant General’s office as “evidence,” but Olanrewaju noted it reflected Oyo’s request and a promised package, not actual disbursement ​. Fayose’s remarks followed Makinde’s interview where he rejected Tinubu’s overtures to join the APC and organize it in Oyo State ​.

Funds Release and Conditions

After the explosion killed several people and razed homes in Bodija, Makinde personally presented a detailed report in Abuja, as President Tinubu did not visit Oyo. The Federal Government promised N50 billion but released only N30 billion, tying the remaining N20 billion to inducements which Makinde refused ​. Olanrewaju stressed that publicizing stalled negotiations during a tragedy would have been inappropriate ​.

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A transparent committee oversaw the N30 billion, with N4.5 billion—about 15%—paid directly to victims including landlords and tenants. The rest funded road repairs, ongoing reconstruction, a planned memorial at the blast site, and enhanced security measures ​. Site visits confirm visible progress in the affected areas ​.

Olanrewaju linked the allegations’ timing to Makinde’s regret over backing Tinubu in 2023 and his opposition to a perceived one-party state push. Recent moves, like a Wike-aligned PDP caretaker committee in Oyo, were rejected by local leaders, signaling retaliatory politics ​. The APC has also demanded Makinde account for the alleged N50 billion or resign