Governor Seyi Makinde alleges ₦20bn withheld by federal government over Ibadan aid after refusing corrupt inducements

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has accused the Federal Government of partially withholding a promised ₦50 billion support package for victims of the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.

Also read: Makinde and Ibori mourn Awolowo in painful tribute

The claim was detailed in a rebuttal by Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Makinde, published on Thursday.

Dr. Olanrewaju stated that following the devastating blast, Governor Makinde personally travelled to Abuja to submit a report on the disaster and formally request federal support.

The Federal Government pledged ₦50 billion, but only ₦30 billion was disbursed.

“The partial release was accompanied by demands for inducements tied to the disbursement of the balance,” Dr. Olanrewaju wrote.

He stressed that Governor Makinde refused to comply, resulting in ₦20 billion being withheld.

The ₦30 billion received was reportedly managed by a public committee, with ₦4.5 billion distributed directly to landlords and tenants affected by the explosion.

The remainder of the funds was allocated to reconstruction, road repairs, and the development of a planned memorial at the site.

Dr. Olanrewaju linked the renewed allegations over the federal fund to political developments, particularly Governor Makinde’s declaration that he would not endorse President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

He described the accusations as a response from political opponents seeking to undermine the Governor’s transparency.

The administration maintains that the handling of the aid underscores a commitment to accountability, framing the rejection of inducements as a principled stand against corruption.

Also read: Seyi Makinde urges fair PDP convention in Ibadan

Dr. Olanrewaju concluded that attempts to distort the narrative reflect political desperation and warned that such tactics threaten democratic integrity.