Nigeria’s Oyo State government has clarified that 30 billion naira released by the federal government as intervention funds for victims of the 2024 Ibadan explosion remains untouched in a state account, as a dispute over the funding continues.
The clarification follows a public row between Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, who alleged that Makinde failed to disclose receipt of 50 billion naira from the federal government.
In a joint statement, Oyo State Commissioner for Information Prince Dotun Oyelade and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Musibau Babatunde said the state requested 50 billion naira from the federal government to mitigate the impact of the January 16, 2024 explosion in Bodija, Ibadan.
They said only 30 billion naira was released on Nov. 4, 2024, while the remaining 20 billion naira was yet to be paid, adding that the funds already received were being kept in a special infrastructure support account with First Bank of Nigeria.
“As of Dec. 31, 2025, the 30 billion naira remains untouched in the Oyo State infrastructure account,” the commissioners said, adding that the state deliberately refrained from using the funds pending release of the balance.
The officials said the Oyo State government had spent 24.6 billion naira from its own resources on response and recovery efforts, including 20.141 billion naira on reconstruction of infrastructure in Bodija and surrounding areas and 4.085 billion naira paid as compensation and support to victims.
Makinde had earlier said the state could not access the balance of the approved funds due to demands for inducement by unnamed federal officials, an allegation not immediately addressed by federal authorities.
The commissioners said the federal government approved 50 billion naira (half of the 100 billion naira initially requested) for reconstruction of Old Bodija and environs, but the first two years after the disaster had yet to release the outstanding amount.
