ADC Demands Transparency on Bodija Explosion Funds, Questions Use of N30bn Received

The Oyo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged Governor Seyi Makinde to publicly account for the N30 billion intervention funds received from the Federal Government following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its State Publicity Secretary, Bimpe Adelowo, the party accused the state government of poor transparency and misleading the public over the handling of the funds meant for reconstruction and victim support.

The demand followed comments by former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, who alleged that Oyo State requested N50 billion for the intervention. Although the state government later clarified that only N30 billion was received, the ADC argued that the clarification came only after public pressure.

The party noted that Governor Makinde had reportedly stated that about N4.5 billion was disbursed directly to victims, leaving N25.5 billion unaccounted for. ADC questioned whether the remaining funds were approved by the State Assembly for other purposes or diverted without due process.

While acknowledging that the document cited by Fayose showed a request rather than an actual disbursement, the ADC maintained that the governor’s initial silence reflected a lack of openness. The party urged Makinde to release a comprehensive breakdown of how the N30 billion was spent and to apologise to residents of the state.

The Bodija explosion of January 16, 2024, claimed several lives and caused extensive property damage. The ADC insisted that funds allocated for such a tragedy must be managed with the highest level of accountability.

Responding to the allegations, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, dismissed claims that N50 billion was received, describing them as misleading and politically motivated. He reiterated that the Federal Government did not disburse N50 billion to Oyo State.

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