Makinde demands evidence after Fayose alleges he took ₦50bn from Tinubu

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has challenged former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose to produce proof supporting his claim that Makinde received ₦50 billion from President Bola Tinubu following the January 2024 Ibadan explosion.

Fayose made the allegation during a television interview on Friday, asserting that the substantial sum was provided by the presidency to assist in the aftermath of the explosion — which killed five people, injured dozens, and damaged homes — but was not publicly disclosed by Makinde.

He also suggested the funds did not go directly into the state’s accounts.

In response, Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, dismissed the accusation as unfounded and called on Fayose to back up his statement with credible evidence.

Olarenwaju described the claim as baseless and insisted that if such support had been provided, it should be clearly documented.

Olarenwaju also questioned Fayose’s credibility, saying that making unverified allegations on air is irresponsible without presenting proof.

The Oyo State government reiterated that its actions after the explosion were transparent and aimed at supporting victims and affected communities.

The dispute comes amid ongoing political tensions, with Makinde previously stating he would not support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 — a stance that has drawn criticism from some political figures.