APC, PDP Trade Blame Over Alleged N50bn Ibadan Explosion Relief Fund

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has challenged Governor Seyi Makinde to account for an alleged N50 billion relief fund said to have been released by President Bola Tinubu to support victims of the January 2024 explosion in Bodija, Ibadan. The party said the governor should either explain how the funds were utilised or resign.

The controversy follows a claim by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who alleged during a live programme that Makinde received the money after visiting President Tinubu but failed to acknowledge or deploy it fully for the benefit of victims who lost lives and property in the tragedy.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC faulted Makinde over what it described as “disparaging remarks” against President Tinubu and Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during a recent media chat, insisting the governor was not being transparent.

Although Governor Makinde previously denied receiving the N50 billion and asked Fayose to provide proof, Fayose has now released documents which he claims confirm the approval. He further alleged that only N4.5 billion was disbursed to affected residents, while the remaining funds were diverted to political ambitions.

Fayose dared Makinde to seek legal redress, insisting there were records of other undisclosed federal financial support sent to the state.

However, the Oyo PDP Visionaries, a group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dismissed Fayose’s claims as misleading. The group accused him of “public deception,” arguing that the document he presented only showed a request for funds, not an actual approval or disbursement.

Coordinator of the group, Qudus Olayide, said Fayose’s allegations were “shameful and irresponsible,” challenging him to produce evidence of actual approval and payment rather than relying on request letters.

As the controversy deepens, Nigerians await clearer clarification on whether the alleged N50 billion was approved, released, and how it was utilised, with political tensions between APC and PDP in Oyo State continuing to rise.