The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to publicly account for an alleged ₦50 billion relief fund said to have been disbursed by the Federal Government to support victims of the January 18, 2024, explosion in Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, said the people of Oyo State deserved a clear and transparent explanation of how the funds were received and expended, given the scale of the tragedy and the public interest it has generated.
Sadare noted that the Bodija-area explosion, which claimed lives, injured many residents, and destroyed homes and businesses, prompted nationwide concern and swift intervention from the Federal Government. According to him, any financial support released for relief and reconstruction must be fully accounted for, in line with the principles of openness and responsible governance.
“The people of Oyo State have a right to know if such a huge sum was indeed released, when it was received, and how it has been deployed to alleviate the suffering of victims and affected communities,” the APC spokesperson said. “This is not about politics but about accountability to the citizens whose lives were shattered by this unfortunate incident.”
The party urged Governor Makinde’s administration to publish detailed records of the alleged funds, including disbursement schedules, beneficiary lists, and the projects or interventions carried out with the money. It also called for independent verification to assure the public that relief efforts were handled with integrity.
Sadare added that many victims were still grappling with the aftermath of the explosion, raising questions about whether sufficient support had reached those most in need. He stressed that transparency would help restore confidence and dispel rumours surrounding the relief package.
The Oyo APC further appealed to relevant oversight bodies and anti-corruption agencies to take interest in the matter, should the funds be confirmed, to ensure due process and proper utilization in line with the purpose for which they were allegedly released.
As of the time of this statement, the Oyo State Government had not issued an official response to the claims. The APC maintained that prompt clarification from the governor would be in the best interest of the state and the victims seeking justice and support after the tragic Ibadan explosion.
