Fayose to Makinde: Return FG’s N30bn Ibadan explosion fund with interest

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has asked Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to return the ₦30 billion intervention fund reportedly released by the Federal Government for victims of the January 16, 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.

Fayose argued that since Governor Makinde claimed the money has not been spent and has remained in a bank account since 2024, it should be refunded so the Federal Government can channel it directly to the affected people.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his spokesperson, Femi Philips, Fayose criticized Makinde for allegedly failing to disclose the receipt of the fund and the remaining ₦20 billion balance until the matter became public.

According to Fayose, keeping ₦30 billion idle for 18 months would have generated at least ₦4.5 billion in interest at 10 percent, insisting that a total of no less than ₦34.5 billion should be returned.

He stressed that public office requires transparency, saying his comments were meant to expose what he called inconsistencies surrounding the intervention fund.

Fayose added that leaders must not share only the parts of their meetings with the President that benefit them while concealing other important details, warning against what he described as attempts to play politics with the welfare of explosion victims.