Makinde’s Aide Denies Fayose’s Claim of Secret ₦50bn Tinubu Donation

The Oyo State Government has vehemently denied allegations by former Ekiti Governor Ayo Fayose that Governor Seyi Makinde received a secret ₦50 billion donation from President Bola Tinubu following the January 2024 Ibadan explosion.

Speaking on Saturday, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, dismissed the claim as baseless and challenged Fayose to produce evidence. Fayose, appearing on TVC on Friday, alleged that Makinde failed to disclose the massive support fund, suggesting the money was tied to private meetings with the President rather than official state channels.

"There is no substance whatsoever," Olarenwaju stated. "Did the federal government make such a statement? If neither the President nor the federal government said so, who is Fayose to claim it?"

The aide further attacked Fayose's credibility, referencing the former governor's own family disputes. This war of words comes immediately after Makinde publicly declared he would not support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027—a stance that contrasts sharply with Fayose, who reaffirmed his loyalty to the Wike-led PDP faction aligned with the President.

With the 2027 political cycle effectively open, do you view this allegation as a demand for accountability or political retaliation for Makinde’s recent stance?