Prove Tinubu Gave Me N50bn, Makinde Challenges Fayose

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed claims that he received ₦50 billion from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the January 2024 Ibadan explosion, challenging his critic to substantiate the claims.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose made the assertion during a television interview, prompting a sharp response from Makinde’s camp that disputes the narrative and questions the credibility of the accusation.

Fayose, appearing on TVC’s Journalists Hangout on Friday, said President Tinubu authorised ₦50 billion to assist with the aftermath of the Ibadan explosion, which killed five people, injured dozens and destroyed property.

“But you did not tell Nigerians you got, at the prerogative, at the mercy of Mr President, you got N50 billion in support of the explosion in Ibadan. He never said that to Nigeria,” he claimed, suggesting that Makinde did not disclose the full details of his engagement with the president.

Reacting to the allegation, Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr Sulaimon Olarenwaju, described the claim as false and unfounded, insisting that no such funds were received from the Presidency or the Federal Government.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the governor’s spokesperson challenged Fayose to provide verifiable evidence for the claim.

“He who makes an allegation must provide evidence. Let him produce proof for what he is claiming,” Olarenwaju said, adding that questions about credibility have arisen because even members of Fayose’s own family have publicly disowned him. “What credibility does such a person have?” the aide said, urging Nigerians not to take unsubstantiated comments seriously.

Olarenwaju clarified that Makinde’s engagement with President Tinubu after the Ibadan incident was strictly to brief him on the situation and ongoing response efforts, not to collect funds.

He added that there is no official record or documentation supporting the claim that Oyo State received such a sum from the Federal Government.