A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governorship candidate in Oyo State, Engr. Oyedele Hakeem Alao, has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently explain the whereabouts and utilisation of the alleged ₦50 billion intervention fund reportedly released by the Federal Government for victims of the Bodija explosion in Ibadan.
Alao’s call follows the circulation of official documents in the public space, allegedly indicating that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved a ₦50 billion special intervention for Oyo State to address the humanitarian fallout from the tragic explosion that destroyed homes, claimed lives, and displaced several residents.
Speaking through his media office, Alao described the situation as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” noting that many victims are still languishing without adequate compensation or rehabilitation months after the incident.
“If ₦50 billion was truly released for Bodija explosion victims, the people of Oyo State deserve to know how much was received, how much has been spent, and who benefited from it,” Alao stated.
He questioned why, despite repeated assurances from the state government, victims continue to complain of neglect, adding that the silence surrounding the fund has only fuelled public suspicion.
“₦50 billion is not small change. It is public money meant to heal wounds and restore dignity to victims. Governor Makinde must tell Oyo people plainly: where is the money, and what has it been used for?”
Alao further criticised what he described as misplaced priorities by the Makinde administration, particularly reports that the state government is considering borrowing funds to acquire an aircraft, even as humanitarian concerns remain unresolved.
According to him, the development contradicts recent public statements by South-West governors, who collectively emphasised the adoption of drones as a modern, cost-effective tool for tackling insecurity across the region.
“Why should Oyo State be thinking of taking loans to buy aircraft when drones are globally accepted as smarter, cheaper, and more efficient for surveillance?” Alao queried.
“Is this about solving real problems or pursuing prestige projects?”
He warned that borrowing for luxury governance while unresolved crises persist could further alienate the people from government and undermine public trust.
The APC chieftain therefore challenged Governor Makinde to:
Publicly clarify whether ₦50 billion was received from the Federal Government for Bodija explosion victims;
Publish a transparent breakdown of how the funds were disbursed, if received;
Explain the rationale behind any plan to acquire aircraft instead of embracing drone technology already endorsed at the regional level.
Alao stressed that governance must be anchored on transparency, accountability, and empathy, not media narratives.
“Oyo State belongs to the people. Public funds require public explanation. The era of silence is over,” he declared.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government had yet to officially respond to the concerns raised.