Ibadan – Following the allegation by a former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, that the sum of N50bn was released to the Oyo state government by the Federal Government as an intervention fund for victims of the January 16 2024 explosion at Bodija, more shocking revelations have emerged about the said fund.
Going by authentic documents obtained from reliable sources by Ametrocopy, here are 21 points you should know about the ₦50 billion Bodija Explosion Intervention Fund:
- The Bodija explosion occurred on January 16, 2024, causing massive damage to lives and properties in Ibadan.
- In response, Governor Seyi Makinde formally requested federal intervention support.
- The request was made in a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dated January 19, 2024.
- The Oyo State Government had already begun emergency response before any federal support arrived.
- Heavy equipment was deployed for search-and-rescue operations at the explosion site.
- All injured victims were treated at no cost, with medical bills fully covered by the state.
- Ambulances and medical personnel were mobilised immediately to the affected area.
- Displaced residents were given temporary accommodation in hotels, paid for by the state government.
- Oyo State identified additional post-emergency needs that required federal assistance.
- These needs included clearing debris, integrity tests on buildings, and demolition of unsafe structures.
- The state also sought funds for compensation of property owners affected by the explosion.
- Reconstruction of Old Bodija and its environs formed a major part of the request.
- The overall cost of intervention was estimated at ₦100 billion by the Oyo State Government.
- The Federal Government approved ₦50 billion, representing half of the requested amount.
- The approved ₦50 billion was specifically meant for reconstruction after the Bodija explosion.
- An Infrastructure Support Account was opened with First Bank of Nigeria to receive the funds.
- Out of the ₦50 billion approved, ₦30 billion was released to Oyo State on November 4, 2024.
- As of December 31, 2025, the ₦30 billion remained untouched in the bank account.
- The remaining ₦20 billion has not been released, with no explanation given to the state.
- Meanwhile, Oyo State has spent ₦24.6 billion of its own resources on reconstruction and compensation.
- The Oyo State Government insists it has nothing to hide and remains committed to transparency, accountability, and securing the balance of the approved funds.
It is noteworthy however that other sensitive documents detailing the names of hotels where the victims were lodged, how much was paid and a breakdown of funds expended by the Oyo state Government were also obtained.
In closing, transparency is not optional—it is essential. When government provides timely, clear, and comprehensive information, it builds public trust, curbs misinformation, and ensures that citizens can meaningfully engage with policies that affect their lives.
The public deserves not just assurances, but facts; not just announcements, but explanations.
Adequate information is the bridge between governance and accountability, and strengthening this bridge is critical to sustaining confidence in public institutions.
