A Man With No Credibility – Makinde’s Aide Slams Fayose Over Tinubu’s N50bn Donation Claim
Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has dismissed former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose’s claim that Makinde received N50 billion in support from President Bola Tinubu following the 2024 Ibadan explosion.
The Ibadan explosion, which occurred in January 2024 at Adeyi Avenue, killed five people, injured 77, and damaged about 55 houses.
Fayose had, on Friday, while appearing on TVC, accused Makinde of failing to disclose N50 billion in support from the presidency.
Fayose claimed the N50 billion was not deposited directly into Oyo State coffers but was tied to Makinde’s meeting with the president.
“You did not tell Nigerians you got, at the prerogative, at the mercy of Mr President, you got N50 billion in support of the explosion in Ibadan. He never said that to Nigeria. So, the president can say the explosion is not worth more than N10 billion.
“The N50 billion did not come into the coffers of Oyo State. It came with you coming to interface with the president because you came and said you met with the president.
“You only said a part where you said the president told you that ‘go and organise APC (All Progressives Congress) for me and I said I cannot organise. But you did not tell Nigerians what the president did for you and did for the good people of your state.”
But Olarenwaju, in a phone interview with Punch correspondent on Saturday afternoon, challenged Fayose to provide evidence for his allegations
.
“He who makes an allegation must provide evidence. Let him produce proof for what he claims. It is important to note that Fayose lacks credibility; even his family has denounced him. What credibility does he have? Such a person speaks ordinarily, and we should not pay attention. But if he has made a claim, let him substantiate it,” he said.
When asked whether there was any substance to Fayose’s claim or if any donation was made, Olarenwaju stated:
“There is no substance whatsoever. Did the President say anything of the sort? Did the federal government make such a statement? If neither the President nor the federal government said so, who is Fayose to claim it? There was no fifty-billion-naira donation.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
