The Special Adviser on Media to Oyo State Governor, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, has rejected claims by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose that Governor Seyi Makinde received N50 billion from the Federal Government, describing the allegation as misleading.
Olanrewaju also dismissed suggestions that the governor deliberately kept silent over the alleged funds in order to divert the money for a future presidential ambition.
He said Governor Makinde did not receive N50 billion from the Federal Government, noting that this explained why Fayose was unable to present evidence of any such disbursement when challenged.
However, the governor’s aide clarified that while a N50 billion support package was promised by the Federal Government, only N30 billion was eventually released, with the balance of N20 billion not accessed due to issues related to inducement demands.
READ ALSO: Fayose Presents Documents Alleging Makinde Received ₦50bn Federal Support, Claims Fund Diversion
Olanrewaju said Fayose’s comment alleging that the Federal Government handed N50 billion to Makinde and that the governor saved the money to fund a presidential ambition was “not only misleading but deliberately disingenuous.”
According to him, records available show that there was a request and a promise, but not a full disbursement of N50 billion.
He added that the document circulated by Fayose merely indicated what was proposed, not what was released.
Olanrewaju explained that following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan, which claimed lives and destroyed properties, Governor Makinde travelled to Abuja with a detailed report of the incident and formally sought assistance from the Federal Government.
He said the Federal Government promised a N50 billion intervention, but when the time came for implementation, only N30 billion was released.
The remaining N20 billion, he stated, was withheld after the governor declined to accede to demands for inducements tied to its release.
He questioned whether the governor was expected to publicly disclose negotiations surrounding a national tragedy, stressing that what mattered was how the funds that were released were utilised.
Olanrewaju said Governor Makinde acknowledged the Federal Government’s support during the inauguration of a transparent committee established to manage and disburse the relief funds, ensuring accountability and proper use of the money.
He disclosed that part of the N30 billion was paid directly to victims as immediate relief, while the balance was used for reconstruction and restoration in the affected areas.
According to him, roads were repaired, rebuilding is ongoing, and plans are in place for a memorial at the explosion site, alongside improved security measures to prevent a recurrence.
He further clarified that the N4.5 billion often referenced by the Oyo State Government represented direct financial support to victims, accounting for about 15 per cent of the total funds released.
He said both landlords and tenants benefited from this direct intervention.
Allegations Are Politically Motivated
Olanrewaju attributed the renewed controversy to political motives, recalling that Governor Makinde recently stated he would not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, after backing him in 2023.
He alleged that following that declaration, political pressure intensified, including moves by a group aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to set up a caretaker committee for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, an effort he said was rejected by key party figures.
According to him, attempts to portray Makinde as dishonest or disconnected from his party were unfounded, stressing that the governor’s mandate was anchored on performance and public trust.
Olanrewaju maintained that facts would ultimately prevail over “half-truths and falsehoods”, adding that the issue went beyond partisan politics to the broader question of democratic integrity.
He said Governor Makinde had made his position clear and would not compromise, insisting that truth required no protection beyond being told clearly and without fear.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
