Oyo govt accuses FG officials of demanding bribe to release N20bn explosion fund

The Oyo State government has alleged that part of the Federal Government’s promised financial support for victims of the January 2024 Ibadan explosion was withheld after Governor Seyi Makinde declined demands for illicit “inducements.”

The claim was made by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in an article titled “Makinde: Truth Is Not a Casualty of Political Desperation,” written in response to accusations that the state secretly received and kept the funds.

Olanrewaju said President Bola Tinubu did not visit Ibadan after the incident.

Instead, Governor Makinde traveled to Abuja to present a report and request federal assistance, after which the Federal Government pledged ₦50 billion.

He explained that only ₦30 billion was eventually released, alleging that the remaining ₦20 billion was withheld because Makinde refused to comply with demands tied to the balance.

According to him, the funds received were handled by a public committee and used for victim support, reconstruction projects, road repairs, and plans for a memorial at the explosion site.

He noted that ₦4.5 billion — about 15 percent of the total — went directly to affected landlords and tenants.

Olanrewaju also suggested that renewed controversy over the funds is politically motivated, linking it to Makinde’s recent declaration that he would not support President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

He said this led to fresh political tension, including moves by rival party factions in the state.

He maintained that the allegations against Makinde distort the facts, arguing that the governor’s leadership is anchored on transparency and public trust.