Fayose Demands Makinde Return ₦30bn Bodija Explosion Fund to Federal Govt

Fayose Demands Makinde Return ₦30bn Bodija Explosion Fund to Federal Govt

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to return the ₦30 billion intervention fund released by the Federal Government for the January 16, 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan, claiming the funds have remained untouched since their release.

Fayose, speaking through his spokesperson Femi Philips on Thursday, criticized Makinde for failing to inform the people of Oyo State about the fund and the outstanding ₦20 billion balance from the ₦50 billion approved intervention fund until the disclosure was made public.

“Since Governor Makinde has admitted to keeping the ₦30 billion in a bank since 2024, the Oyo State Government should return the money to the Federal Government so it can be used for the people it was meant for,” Fayose said.

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He added that keeping the money idle for 18 months could have generated at least ₦4.5 billion in interest at 10 percent, insisting that Makinde must return not less than ₦34.5 billion to the federal coffers.

Fayose also emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in public office, saying he made the fund public to expose what he described as Makinde’s “hypocrisy.”

“If the governor had not gone on national television to selectively disclose the details of his meeting with President Bola Tinubu, concealing the fact that he requested ₦50 billion for Bodija explosion victims and had it approved, there would have been no need for me to speak,” Fayose said.

The former governor, a prominent Yoruba leader, warned against using public office for personal political ambitions, stressing that the welfare of the people and the integrity of the President’s name must be protected.

Fayose Demands Makinde Return ₦30bn Bodija Explosion Fund to Federal Govt