Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has rejected claims that he received N50 billion from the Federal Government, insisting that only N30 billion was released following the January 2024 Bodija explosion.

The governor, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, described allegations credited to former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, as false, misleading and deliberately disingenuous.

Olanrewaju dismissed insinuations that Makinde kept quiet about the funds in order to stash the money for a future presidential ambition, stressing that no such N50 billion was ever disbursed.

According to him, while the Federal Government promised a N50 billion support package after the Bodija tragedy, only N30 billion was eventually released, with the balance of N20 billion withheld.

“Let us be clear. The Federal Government did not give Governor Makinde N50 billion. What existed was a request and a promise, not a disbursement,” Olanrewaju said.

He explained that after the devastating Bodija explosion, which claimed lives and destroyed properties, Governor Makinde travelled to Abuja with a detailed report and formally requested support from the Federal Government.

“Following that engagement, a N50 billion support package was promised. However, when it was time for implementation, only N30 billion was released,” he said.

Olanrewaju alleged that the release of the remaining N20 billion was tied to requests for inducement, which the governor refused, leading to the withholding of the balance.

He added that the governor acknowledged the Federal Government’s support during the inauguration of a transparent committee set up to manage the relief funds, noting that accountability and compassion guided the use of the money.

“Some of the N30 billion was paid directly to victims as immediate support, while the rest has been deployed for reconstruction and restoration. Roads in the affected area have been repaired, rebuilding is ongoing, and a memorial is planned to honour those who lost their lives,” he said.

Olanrewaju clarified that the N4.5 billion often mentioned by the Oyo State Government represents direct support to victims, accounting for about 15 per cent of the total funds released.

He accused Fayose and allies of distorting facts for political reasons, linking the renewed attacks to Governor Makinde’s recent declaration that he would not support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

According to him, the declaration triggered political hostilities, including attempts allegedly backed by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to impose a caretaker committee on the Oyo State chapter of the PDP.

“These actions are driven by desperation, not principle,” Olanrewaju said, adding that Makinde’s mandate rests on performance, credibility and the trust of the people.

He maintained that half-truths and falsehoods would not stand the test of time, insisting that the governor would continue to defend democracy and speak the truth without fear.

“Truth does not need protection. It only needs to be told—fully, clearly and without intimidation,” he said.