A group within the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, known as Oyo PDP-Visionaries, has criticized former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose for his claims regarding relief funds for victims of the January 2024 Bodija explosion. Fayose alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde received N50 billion from the Federal Government, which the group describes as a false and misleading statement.

The controversy began when Fayose accused Makinde of diverting part of the alleged N50 billion relief funds. In response, the Oyo PDP-Visionaries released a statement signed by its coordinator, Qudus Olayide, dismissing Fayose’s claims. According to Olayide, Fayose’s attempt to justify his claim by presenting a letter from the Ministry of Finance was misguided, as the letter merely contained requests from states and did not indicate any approval or disbursement of funds.

The group expressed regret that Fayose would attempt to misinform the public in a bid to discredit Makinde, and challenged him to produce a document showing actual approval or release of the N50 billion. They emphasized that Nigerians can distinguish between a request and an approved allocation, and that Fayose’s actions reflect a misunderstanding of basic governance procedures.

Oyo PDP-Visionaries accused Fayose of being driven by personal motives in his attacks on Makinde, describing his conduct as unserious. The group praised Makinde for his transparent and people-focused leadership, warning Fayose against distracting the Oyo State governor with what they termed “opportunistic and low-level politics.”

The controversy highlights the ongoing debate over the management of relief funds in Nigeria. The Oyo PDP-Visionaries urged Fayose to refrain from actions that could further embarrass him and Ekiti State, noting that as a former two-term governor, he should be aware of the proper procedures and protocols. The group’s statement reinforces the need for accurate information and transparency in governance, particularly in the context of disaster relief efforts.