A fresh political controversy has erupted in the South-West following a public demand by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, for Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to refund ₦30 billion in Federal Government intervention funds.
Fayose’s demand followed Governor Makinde’s recent disclosure that Oyo State received ₦30 billion as federal intervention for victims of the January 16, 2024, Bodija explosion. Fayose claimed the funds were kept from public knowledge until Makinde’s admission, accusing the governor of withholding critical information from the people of the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday through his spokesperson, Femi Philips, Fayose alleged a lack of transparency and accused Makinde of politicising the welfare of disaster victims. He argued that if the funds have not been utilised for their intended purpose, they should be returned immediately to the Federal Government.
Fayose further suggested that the Federal Government is better positioned to manage the distribution of the funds, stating that federal institutions have mechanisms to reach the victims directly if the state government is unwilling to act.
Escalating his criticism, the former governor calculated the interest he claimed would have accrued if the money had remained in a bank account for 18 months. According to him, ₦30 billion at a 10 percent interest rate would have generated approximately ₦4.5 billion, bringing the total amount owed to ₦34.5 billion.
He also accused Makinde of hypocrisy, alleging that the governor concealed his request for ₦50 billion and the subsequent ₦30 billion approval while criticising the Federal Government on other issues.
As of Thursday evening, the Oyo State Government had not issued an official response to Fayose’s allegations or refund demand.
I dont understand why Fayose is making such demands. Maybe theres more to the story than meets the eye.
I dont trust politicians with money. Makinde should be transparent about the funds. Fayose might have a point.
Why is there so much secrecy around the funds for the Bodija explosion? Transparency is key! #AccountabilityMatters 🤔🔍
Do you think Makinde is being transparent with the Bodija explosion funds? Fayose has a point. Transparency is key!
Is Fayose justified in demanding a refund, or is Makinde right to keep details private? What are your thoughts?