A civic group, Save Oyo Movement (SOM), has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of mismanaging public funds, alleging that N2 billion was expended on a political summit he hosted in Ibadan on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its coordinator, Akeem Oladiti, the group claimed that the governor has spent more than N10 billion from the N30 billion reportedly received from the Federal Government for victims of the January 2024 Ibadan explosion.
The group alleged that the funds were diverted to support the governor’s purported ambition to emerge as a vice-presidential candidate under a yet-to-be-determined political platform.
SOM further called for an immediate investigation by anti-graft agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to the group, it intends to formally petition both agencies over what it described as “wasteful spending” and alleged abuse of public funds.
The statement questioned the handling of the N30 billion intervention fund, arguing that it was unjustifiable for the governor to retain and allegedly deploy the money for political activities rather than for the intended victims of the explosion.
SOM also cited previous expenditures it described as excessive, including an alleged N5 billion spent on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention held in Ibadan in November 2025, which it characterised as unsuccessful.
Additionally, the group alleged that N1.5 billion was spent on a planned coronation ceremony involving three Ibadan high chiefs, which ultimately did not take place as the individuals reportedly failed to attend.
The group further claimed that the coronation plan was politically motivated, alleging that it targeted Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who is speculated to be a potential governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.
SOM maintained that while it does not oppose political aspirations, public resources must not be used to fund personal ambitions.
“Even though we are not against the governor or anyone pursuing political ambition, it must not come at the expense of the welfare of the people of Oyo State,” the statement read.
The group vowed to intensify efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public funds in the state.
As of the time of filing this report, the Oyo State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
