Makinde must refund N30bn Ibadan explosion relief fund with interest – Fayose

Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti, has called on Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, to return the N30 billion intervention fund released by the federal government for victims of the January 16, 2024, explosion in Ibadan.

During a recent interview on TVC, Fayose alleged that Makinde received N50 billion from the federal government over the explosion, claiming that the fund did not go into the coffers of the state government.

Following Fayose’s allegation, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo asked Makinde to account for the N50 billion relief fund.

In a statement, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC publicity secretary, said people of the state deserve to know how the alleged N50 billion relief fund was spent.

Fayose, in a statement issued on Thursday by Femi Philips, his spokesperson, criticised Makinde for not informing Oyo residents about the N30 billion received, as well as the remaining N20 billion balance, until he publicly disclosed the N50 billion intervention fund.

“Since Governor Makinde has admitted to keeping the N30 billion in a bank since 2024 without deploying it, the Oyo State Government should return the money to the Federal Government to ensure it benefits the intended victims,” the statement reads.

He said the federal government has mechanisms to directly support victims if the state government is unwilling to act.

Fayose also insisted “N30 billion in a bank for 18 months would have generated at least, N4.5 billion at 10 percent interest”.

“Therefore, Governor Makinde must return not less than N34.5 billion to the Federal Government,” he added.

The former governor said he revealed the information to expose what he described as Makinde’s hypocrisy, adding that there is a need for transparency and accountability in public office.

He criticised Makinde for selectively disclosing details of his meeting with President Bola Tinubu, in which the governor requested and was granted the N50 billion fund.

“If Makinde had not disclosed only part of the meeting and concealed his request for the intervention fund, there would have been no need for this revelation. We will not allow anyone to tarnish the President’s image for personal ambitions,” Fayose said. (The cable)