Statements like these are only a momentary snapshot. As soon as sufficiently money is at stake the board might change their tune overnight. The whole Altman-fired-from-OpenAI-then-reinstated drama should be warning enough.
What do you think they got Sam to bend the knee on, out of curiosity?
In my opinion, Altman's permanent departure would have been the death of OpenAI. After the majority of the staff threatened their resignation from OpenAI, Altman became the one holding all the leverage. I'd rather guess that OpenAI's board made him a once-in-a-lifetime offer to persuade him to come back.