Fagbenro-Bibire Questions Fayose’s Allegations, Describes Attacks on Makinde As Unnecessary, Misplaced

Convener of Bibire Peoples Vision Association, Honourable Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire, has addressed the ongoing controversy over the unfounded narrative that Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde received a N50 billion intervention fund from the Federal Government following the January 20204 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.

In a chat with Polity Reporters today, Bibire made it clear that his intention is to raise honest questions about the timing and motivation behind the criticism from former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and other detractors.

Recall that Fayose recently alleged that the Federal Government disbursed N50 billion to Governor Makinde as part of the relief efforts for victims of the explosion, claims which have been dismissed by the Oyo State Government as baseless and lacking evidence.

The State Government stated clearly that no such amount was received, and that the Federal Government released only N30 billion for intervention support, which has remained in a designated account, while the balance of the promised funds was never disbursed due to conditions attached to the release that the state government refused to accept.

Bibire, speaking on the matter, questioned why “critics” like Fayose, alongside others, suddenly chose this moment to level negative statements against the governor.

He said the timing of the unfounded narrative has clearly shown that it is a deliberate attack, noting that the allegations only began to surface after Governor Seyi Makinde publicly stated that he would not be supporting President Bola Tinubu for a second term, which according to him confirms that the issue is politically motivated rather than driven by genuine concern for accountability.

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The founder of the Hope Also Need Help Foundation asked how a private citizen with no official role in the current Federal Government could have access to details of federal intervention funds that were never formally announced to the Nigerian public.

This was as he faulted the Federal Government for allowing sensitive financial information to be weaponized in the public space without clarification.

Bibire stressed that those raising the issue should explain how they came by the information and produce credible evidence before turning a public tragedy into an opportunity for political attack.

He pointed out that in reality the Federal Government released thirty billion naira of the requested support fund and that twenty billion naira remains withheld for reasons not yet explained to the Oyo State Government.

The celebrated philanthropist, however, said the bigger issue should be about the welfare of the people affected by the Bodija explosion rather than unverified claims renting the air for political point scoring.

He said what truly counts is that the families of the victims are well cared for and that government resources are used to support rebuilding and provide compensation for those who lost lives or property.

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Bibire confessed that the governor has indeed acted responsibly in responding to the disaster, and this is evident in the fact that the Oyo State Government has already spent over twenty four billion naira from its own resources on reconstruction works and support for victims and survivors of the explosion.

The leading House of Representatives aspirant for Ibadan Southwest and Northwest Federal Constituency under the platform of the PDP stated that focusing on inflated or politically motivated allegations at this time is a deliberate attempt to divert attention from the urgent needs of Nigerians.

He explained that people are already struggling with economic hardship, insecurity, and social challenges, yet some political agents who care about their pockets, not the people, are using such unfounded attacks to distract from critical issues.

He added that even those criticizing the governor seem to acknowledge his competence and leadership qualities, which may be why he has become a target of political attacks.

He said Governor Makinde has shown a capacity for leadership, putting people’s needs first, acting responsibly in crisis situations, and working to improve lives.

Bibire furthered by saying that if there is anyone capable of helping Nigeria at higher levels of leadership it would be someone like Governor Makinde because of his demonstrated focus on public service, the welfare of citizens, and transparent governance.

Bibire, who urged critics to allow leaders the space to focus on governance rather than unnecessary political distraction, concluded by calling on Nigerians to pay attention to issues that affect their lives directly and to support leaders who have shown capacity, compassion and commitment to service.