The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion and misapplication of the N30 billion intervention fund released by the Federal Government to the Oyo State Government following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.
In the petition dated January 5, 2026, and signed by HEDA Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, the group queried the utilisation of the funds meant for victim compensation, emergency relief and reconstruction of the affected Bodija area.
Addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the petition expressed concern that only about N4.5 billion was reportedly spent on relief and compensation, while the bulk of the N30 billion federal intervention remains largely unaccounted for more than a year after its release.
“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,” HEDA stated.
The controversy over the fund intensified after a former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, during a national television interview, alleged that the Federal Government released N50 billion to Oyo State as intervention funds for the explosion victims and the reconstruction of Old Bodija.
While the Oyo State Government confirmed receiving federal support, it clarified that the amount released was N30 billion, not N50 billion, and maintained that the funds had not been utilised, pending the release of the remaining N20 billion.
Following the clarification, victims of the explosion renewed calls for the immediate release of the N30 billion, insisting that the compensation earlier paid was grossly inadequate.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, told The PUNCH that the government’s position remained unchanged, stressing that the N30 billion fund was still untouched.
He said the state government had already disbursed N4.085 billion to support and compensate victims and spent an additional N24.6 billion from its own resources on the rehabilitation of Bodija and its environs.
Oyelade attributed the renewed public debate to political undercurrents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“It’s 2026, the eve of the 2027 general elections. We understand and we are ready,” he said, adding that the government stood by its earlier explanation on the handling of the funds.
However, HEDA raised fresh concerns over transparency and accountability, alleging that the N30 billion was reportedly kept in a commercial bank at interest for over a year without public disclosure.
The group called on the EFCC to compel the Oyo State Government to publicly account for the total intervention funds received, how they were utilised, and the status of any unspent balance.
“These allegations raise serious concerns bordering on corruption, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, criminal breach of trust and possible money laundering,” HEDA noted, stressing that such matters fall squarely within the EFCC’s statutory mandate.
While acknowledging the constitutional immunity granted to a sitting governor under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, HEDA argued that such protection does not preclude investigation, especially where public funds are involved.
“Constitutional immunity does not bar investigation, particularly in issues relating to accountability and the management of public resources,” the group stated.
HEDA therefore urged the anti-graft agency to launch a thorough, impartial and professional investigation into the receipt, management and utilisation of all Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State in connection with the Bodija explosion.
