Victims and families affected by the devastating explosion that rocked Dejo Oyelese area of Bodija in Ibadan have renewed calls for additional compensation, following revelations that the Federal Government released N30 billion to the state over the incident.
The explosion, which occurred on January 16, 2024, claimed five lives, injured several residents and destroyed property worth hundreds of millions of naira.
The controversy began after a former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, publicly claimed that N50 billion had been released by the Federal Government to support victims.
The Oyo State Government later clarified that only N30 billion had so far been released, adding that the money remains lodged in a bank pending the release of the outstanding N20 billion to complete the N50 billion approved.
The revelation triggered unease among affected residents and political stakeholders across the state.
Chairman of the Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA), Dr. Muyiwa Bamgbose, said the association had formally written to Governor Seyi Makinde, requesting a meeting to review the compensation earlier paid to victims.
According to Bamgbose, when initial valuations of damaged properties were submitted, residents agreed to significantly reduce their claims due to what the government described as limited funds at the time.
However, with confirmation of the N30 billion release, residents are urging the state government not to return the funds to the Federal Government but to utilise them in paying additional compensation to those whose claims were previously slashed.
“We showed understanding when compensation was reduced due to paucity of funds. Now that more funds are available, those affected should be positively reconsidered,” Bamgbose said.
He added that the association was concluding plans to escalate the matter to draw greater government attention to the plight of victims.
The demand for fresh compensation comes as residents marked the second anniversary of the tragic explosion at a thanksgiving service in January.
While appreciating the government’s support so far, victims insist that the newly disclosed funds present an opportunity to address outstanding losses more equitably.
The Dejo Oyelese explosion remains one of the most tragic incidents in Ibadan in recent years, with families still grappling with its human and economic toll.
