The Oyo State Government has dismissed as politically motivated a petition by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion of N30 billion released by the Federal Government for victims of the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.
HEDA, in a petition dated Jan. 5, 2026, accused the state government of diversion, misapplication and criminal breach of trust involving the funds meant for compensation, reconstruction and emergency relief. The petition was signed by HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju and addressed to EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede.
The group said it was concerned that only about N4.5 billion was reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the N30 billion federal intervention fund remained largely unaccounted for.
“The organisation is concerned that only about N4.5bn intervention funds were reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire N30bn remains largely unaccounted for,” the petition said.
The petition followed public controversy sparked by comments from former Ekiti State Gov. Ayodele Fayose who alleged during a television interview that the Federal Government released N50 billion to Oyo State for intervention and reconstruction after the explosion.
The Oyo State Government acknowledged receiving funds from the Federal Government but said the amount was N30 billion, not N50 billion. The state said the money had not been spent and would remain untouched until the balance of N20 billion was released.
After the disclosure, victims of the explosion demanded that the N30 billion be disbursed to supplement earlier assistance, which they described as inadequate.
The Bodija explosion, which occurred in Ibadan in January 2024, killed several people and destroyed homes and businesses, prompting the Federal Government to approve emergency intervention funds for affected residents.
