A former President of the Nigeria and Africa Union of Journalists, Comrade Lanre Ogundipe has called on Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde to provide a comprehensive and transparent account of special federal intervention funds linked to the state, stating that public accountability requires full disclosure rather than political challenges.
In a press statement dated December 28, 2025, Ogundipe faulted Governor Makinde’s recent public challenge to former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose to “prove beyond doubt” allegations surrounding intervention funds, describing it as a diversion from the real issue of fiscal transparency.
According to Ogundipe, available records from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation indicate that Oyo State was among states that formally requested and were considered for federal intervention funds amounting to tens of billions of naira.
He noted that this contrasts sharply with the governor’s public declaration that the state only received ₦4.5 billion, a discrepancy he said raises legitimate public concerns.
“The central issue is not a political exchange or a personal challenge,” Ogundipe stated.
“It is the constitutional and moral duty of any public office holder to account fully for public funds associated with their office.”
He outlined four critical points, that he said must be clearly addressed to resolve the controversy, which are: the total amount requested by Oyo State, the sum approved by federal authorities, the amount actually received, and any outstanding balance, reversal, or non-disbursement, supported by verifiable documentation.
Ogundipe said that, so far, no detailed reconciliation addressing these issues has been made available to the public, stressing that the burden of proof and transparency lies with the custodian of public trust, not with critics or political opponents.
Describing the matter as non-partisan, he emphasized that it touches on public accountability, fiscal integrity, and respect for democratic oversight. He added that Nigerians are entitled to know whether figures contained in federal records align with disclosures made by the Oyo State Government, and if discrepancies exist, the reasons behind them.
The veteran journalist therefore urged Governor Makinde to publish a detailed, itemised account reconciling federal intervention records with state receipts, arguing that such openness would strengthen public confidence and lay the issue to rest.
“In public service, honour is demonstrated through transparency, not assertion,” Ogundipe concluded. “The public deserves facts, not challenges.”
