By Akinwale Kasali
The proposed plan of laying the Osun State International Airport Foundation in Ede, Osun State by Governor Ademola Adeleke has been dashed by the Federal Government.
The Federal Government has ordered the suspension of the relocation of the Osun State International Airport project from Ido-Osun to Ede, following protests and growing tensions.
Following the announcement of relocation of the proposed Osun State International Airport from Ido Osun to Ede, the hometown of the Governor, this generated controversy, as some protests trailed the proposal.
Wading into the issue, the Federal Government quashed the plan of Governor Adeleke of laying the foundation for the new airport in Ede scheduled for December 16, 2024.
The event was expected to include high-profile dignitaries, including the Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo.
However, the proposal sparked widespread protests, especially from the Ido-Osun community, who viewed the move as biased and driven by personal interest rather than public good.
Critics argue that the relocation would unfairly benefit Ede while disregarding Ido-Osun where the airport project was initially planned.
The decision to move the airport is unjust and undemocratic,” said one protester in Ido-Osun. “It shows that the government is more focused on political gains than on the welfare of the people.”
Though the Peoples Democratic Party- led Osun State government, on the other hand, has defended the relocation.
Officials pointed to the land encroachment issues at the Ido-Osun site, along with the presence of dangerous gullies and an insufficient runway, as reasons for the shift.
Despite these claims, the controversy has not died down, and the protests have only grown louder in recent weeks.
In a significant development, the Federal Ministry of Aviation intervened in the situation.
A letter dated December 6, 2024, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Emmanuel D. Meribole, instructed the state government to suspend the project indefinitely.
The letter called for the suspension of the foundation-laying ceremony until the disputes surrounding the airport project are resolved.
The letter read: “We respectfully request Your Excellency to suspend the foundation-laying ceremony of the Osun State International Airport until the issues regarding the petitions over the existing airstrip/airport are resolved.”
The letter further stated that the airstrip in Ido-Osun is a Federal project, included in the Ministry’s 2024 budget. The Federal Government has expressed concerns that moving forward with the new airport site in Ede could lead to unnecessary duplication of efforts and wasteful spending.
It also highlighted petitions that have been submitted, questioning the need for a new site when funds have already been allocated for the current airstrip.
“The federal government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds to curtail wastage of resources,” the letter stated.
“As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration between state and federal governments, we must be in sync before the project takes off.”
The letter concluded by urging Adeleke to reschedule the foundation-laying ceremony until a mutual agreement could be reached.
This intervention has dealt a significant blow to Governor Adeleke’s plans, which were already facing mounting criticism from local communities and political opponents.
“We are committed to a transparent and inclusive process, and we expect the state government to resolve these issues with all stakeholders involved,” said a source from the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
The tension surrounding the Osun airport project highlights a growing divide between state and federal authorities, as well as local communities. While the state government is keen to boost its infrastructure and develop the region, critics argue that the current controversy is more about political favoritism than genuine development.
As protests continue in Ido-Osun, the people there are demanding that the federal government step in to protect their interests.
“This is not just about the airport,” said another local resident. “It’s about fairness. If the state government truly cares about all of us, they would not ignore our concerns.”
Governor Adeleke has yet to publicly respond to the suspension order from the federal government. However, the state’s Ministry of Works has stated that discussions with federal officials are ongoing, and that they hope to reach a resolution soon.
The outcome of this dispute could have major implications for future infrastructure projects in the state, as it underscores the complex relationship between state and federal governments in Nigeria.
The federal government’s decision to pause the project also raises important questions about accountability in the management of public resources.
Some political observers are of the opinion that the decision of the FG to suspend the project is because Governor Adeleke is from the opposition Party.
It was alleged that the past administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola had set the roadmap for the building of the Osun State International Airport at Ido-Osun, and could have lay the foundation at it been he was re-elected as Governor, but, since the PDP came on board, it would be unwise to relocate the project to his home town in Ede, citing that the suspension by the FG was political motivated.
Some other political observers argued that it was a plot by the APC led FG to buy time and work tirelessly for Oyetola to come back as Governor in 2026, and defeat the incumbent, Adeleke, at the polls, thereafter, he would kick-start the project.
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