Here’s a bombshell that’s shaking up Nigerian politics: A bold claim by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has sparked a fiery backlash from the Oyo PDP-Visionaries, a Peoples Democratic Party group in Oyo State. But here’s where it gets controversial—Fayose alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde received a whopping N50 billion from the Federal Government as relief funds for victims of the January 2024 Bodija explosion. The group isn’t holding back, calling the accusation baseless, misleading, and utterly unfounded. Let’s break it down.
In a statement authorized by its coordinator, Qudus Olayide, and released to journalists in Ibadan on Sunday, the Oyo PDP-Visionaries didn’t mince words. They slammed Fayose for what they see as a deliberate attempt to tarnish Makinde’s reputation. According to PUNCH Online, Fayose made the claim during a live TV interview on Friday, asserting that Makinde received the funds when he met with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the explosion. Fayose further accused Makinde of neither acknowledging the funds nor using them to aid the victims who lost lives and property in the tragedy.
And this is the part most people miss—the group pointed out that Fayose allegedly tried to back his claim with a letter from the Ministry of Finance, which they say only showed requests from states, not actual approvals. They found it shameful that Fayose would mislead the public but were even more disturbed by his reported attempt to pass off a request letter as proof of approved funds. The group challenged Fayose to produce a document confirming the funds’ approval, emphasizing that Nigerians aren’t “dropouts or half-literate” and can easily spot the difference between a request and an approval.
In a scathing critique, the group stated, “Today, we join the rest of the world to stand against half-education; it is worse than evil. We’ve seen its effects in society, but its manifestation in the life of a former Ekiti State governor has shown how devastating illiteracy can be.” They accused Fayose of being driven by personal interests and likened him to a “court jester,” urging him to stop actions that could embarrass himself and Ekiti State. “There should be a limit to foolhardiness and shamelessness,” they added, reminding Fayose of his two terms as governor.
The group also praised Makinde as a transparent and people-focused leader, warning Fayose against distracting him with what they called “low-level, opportunistic politics.” Here’s the million-dollar question—Is Fayose’s claim a genuine oversight, or is there a deeper motive at play? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you think Fayose’s allegations hold water, or is this just another chapter in political theatrics? Share your take below!
