HEDA Resource Centre

Gov Seyi Makinde CategoriesAccountability HEDA News

Bodija Explosion: HEDA Drags Seyi Makinde to EFCC Over Alleged Diversion of ₦30bn Intervention Funds

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion, misapplication, and criminal breach of trust involving Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State Government 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 civil society organisation alleged that the Federal Government released ₦30 billion to the Oyo State Government for victims’ compensation, reconstruction, and emergency relief after the deadly explosion that claimed lives and destroyed properties. HEDA noted that the release of the funds was first publicly alleged by former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, during a national television broadcast, and later reiterated in a statement on 28 December 2025. Fayose subsequently released documents, including a memo from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation dated 29 August 2024, which he claimed showed evidence of the fund release. According to the civil group, only about ₦4.5 billion intervention funds was reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire N30b was unaccounted for. The organisation further alleged that the fund was held in a commercial bank at interest for over a year without public disclosure by the Oyo State Government, leaving the utilisation and status of the funds unclear. “We at HEDA expressed concern that the state government had allegedly failed to provide transparent public disclosure or a comprehensive account of the total intervention funds received, how they were spent, 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, all of which fall within the statutory mandate of the EFCC.” Suraju added. While noting that Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution grants immunity from prosecution to a sitting governor, HEDA stressed that such immunity does not prevent investigations, particularly regarding public funds and accountability. HEDA therefore called on the EFCC to conduct 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 January 2024 Ibadan explosion. The organisation said the petition was submitted in good faith and in the overriding public interest, urging the anti-graft agency to act urgently to uphold public confidence and accountability in the management of public resources.

Ex-Oni Queen, Naomi Silekunola, Chairman Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat. CategoriesHEDA News

Ibadan Stampede: HEDA Warns Against Criminalizing Charity, Urges Makinde, Police to Prioritize Unbiased Investigation

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Oyo State Government and relevant authorities to avoid criminalizing charity in the investigation of the tragic stampede during a Christmas charity event in Ibadan. The incident, which involved Ex-Oni Wife Silekunola Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Islamic School Principal Abdullahi Fasasi, has drawn widespread attention. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, the organization emphasized the need for a thorough and impartial investigation, urging against scapegoating and bias. It stressed the urgent need for government across all levels to address the root causes of the incident, including poverty, hunger, societal values where desperation often leads to unruly behavior, even during well-meaning charitable events, and the lack of proper crowd management and safety protocols. HEDA also frowned at the continuous detention of the organizers and the school principal, who merely rented out the facility. “It is troubling to see the government and police’s approach, which seems to criminalize acts of charity and humanitarian interventions. This has long been a challenge in Nigeria, where well-intentioned individuals fear repercussions for offering help,” Arigbabu said. The organization further called on the police to conduct a transparent investigation without criminalizing goodwill and highlighted the need for well-meaning Nigerians to learn from the tragedy by prioritizing safety, crowd control, and planning in future events. The group also pointed out the need for consistent treatment of similar incidents nationwide, citing previous stampedes in Abuja and Anambra. It called for justice for victims and accountability for all stakeholders involved. “Fairness and due process must guide the investigation, and systemic issues contributing to such disasters should be addressed,” HEDA stated.