Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to return N30 billion intervention funds released by the Federal Government for victims of the January 16, 2024, Bodija explosion in Ibadan. Fayose’s statement came after Makinde admitted that the money had been kept in a bank for months without being spent.
Fayose questioned why the Oyo State government did not disclose the receipt of the N30 billion and the remaining N20 billion from the N50 billion intervention fund to the public. He stated that since the money has remained untouched, it should be returned to the Federal Government so it can be used for the intended beneficiaries.
He further noted that leaving the N30 billion in the bank for 18 months would have generated interest, estimating the total return at around N34.5 billion. According to Fayose, Makinde has a duty to account for the funds, stressing that public office requires transparency and responsibility.
The former governor argued that disclosure of the intervention funds was necessary to ensure that victims receive the support they need, and to hold public officials accountable. He also accused Makinde of withholding information about federal support while publicly portraying meetings with the President in a way that did not reflect the full facts.
Fayose concluded that returning the unspent funds would not only serve the public interest but also safeguard the reputation of the Federal Government and its President.