The political atmosphere in the South-West took a dramatic turn on Sunday, December 28, as former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose released what he claims to be documentary evidence of a N50 billion federal intervention fund received by the Oyo State government. This move comes as a direct response to Governor Seyi Makinde, who had previously challenged Fayose to provide proof that such a massive sum was handed over following the devastating Ibadan explosion in January 2024.
Fayose, known for his blunt approach, stated that while he usually avoids making official government documents public, he felt compelled to do so to set the record straight for the people of Oyo State. According to him, the Governor’s recent media appearances and attacks on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration made it necessary to provide “full disclosure” regarding the financial support the state has received.
The former Governor alleged that only N4.5 billion of the intervention fund actually reached the victims of the Ibadan explosion. He went further to accuse Makinde of diverting the remaining billions toward a personal presidential ambition. Fayose suggested that this alleged misuse of funds is a major factor behind the current friction within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The former Ekiti Governor did not stop there, as he dared Governor Makinde to take legal action against him if the claims were false. He hinted that the N50 billion is just the tip of the iceberg, claiming there is further evidence of other federal interventions and actual Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) figures that differ significantly from what the state government has publicly reported.
While Fayose noted that he is “keeping his gunpowder dry” for now regarding other documents, his latest outburst has certainly turned up the heat on the Oyo State government. He concluded by reiterating his confidence in his claims, reminding the public that he never makes an accusation he cannot back up with hard facts.
