Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has categorically denied allegations that he received ₦50 billion from President Bola Tinubu to manage the aftermath of the January 2024 explosion in Ibadan. The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary Sulaimon Olarenwaju, challenged former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose and his associates to provide evidence supporting the claim, describing it as baseless and reckless misinformation.
The controversy erupted after Fayose, in a TVC interview on December 26, 2025, alleged that Makinde received the funds following a meeting with Tinubu but failed to disclose it publicly or deposit it into state accounts. Fayose claimed the money was linked to Makinde's post-explosion visit to the president and suggested only a fraction reached victims. The allegation was amplified by Fayose's former aide Lere Olayinka on social media, who claimed only ₦4.5 billion was disbursed to affected persons.
Olarenwaju dismissed the claims as unfounded: "There is no substance whatsoever in that claim. Did the president say anything like that? Did the Federal Government make such a statement? If neither the President nor the Federal Government said so, who is Fayose to make that claim? There was no N50 billion donation." He challenged accusers to produce proof, stating unsubstantiated commentary constitutes deliberate falsehoods.
The Oyo government maintained that all relief efforts for the explosion were transparent, with documented disbursements for compensation, medical bills, and reconstruction. Officials emphasized openness to scrutiny from authorities and the public.
The January 16, 2024, explosion in Bodija, Ibadan—caused by illegally stored explosives—killed five people, injured 77, and damaged around 55-58 houses. Makinde visited Tinubu on January 22, 2024, to report findings and seek federal assistance, but no official confirmation of a ₦50 billion transfer exists.
Fayose's remarks appear tied to ongoing PDP internal divisions, with him aligned to the Nyesom Wike faction and Makinde to a rival group. Makinde recently stated he would not support Tinubu's 2027 re-election, prompting speculation of political motivations behind the allegations.
As of December 28, 2025, no evidence has surfaced supporting the ₦50 billion claim, and the presidency has not commented.
