By Abdullahi Lukman
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion and mismanagement of Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.
In a petition signed by HEDA Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the organisation alleged that ₦30 billion was released to the Oyo State Government for victims’ compensation, reconstruction and emergency relief after the explosion that claimed several lives and destroyed properties.
HEDA said public disclosure of the fund release first emerged through claims by former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, during a national television interview and later in a statement issued on December 28, 2025.
Fayose reportedly backed the claim with documents, including a memo from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation dated August 29, 2024.
According to the group, only about ₦4.5 billion of the intervention funds was reportedly used for relief and compensation, leaving the bulk of the ₦30 billion unaccounted for.
HEDA further alleged that the funds were kept in a commercial bank for over a year without public disclosure by the state government.
The organisation said the lack of transparency over the receipt, use and status of the funds raised concerns about possible corruption, abuse of office, diversion of public funds and criminal breach of trust.
While acknowledging the constitutional immunity granted to a sitting governor, HEDA noted that such protection does not bar investigation into the management of public funds.
The group called on the EFCC to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the receipt, management and utilisation of all Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State in connection with the Bodija explosion.
HEDA said the petition was submitted in the public interest and urged the anti-graft agency to act swiftly to promote accountability and restore public confidence in the management of public resources.
