Why Osun Airport Must Be Relocated – Aviation Expert, Rules Out Political Consideration

By Ayodele Oni

An Aviation expert has shed light on the controversy surrounding the relocation of the proposed airport in Osun state from Ido- Osun, to Ede, country home of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The relocation has generated controversy as the people of Ido – Osun, protested and accused the governor of being behind the decision.

The Technical Committee on Aviation has however clarified that the decision was based solely on technical considerations and has no political undertone.

Residents of Ido-Osun’s protest followed an announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, detailing plans for Adeleke’s second-anniversary celebrations.

Protesters, reportedly gathered at the palace, carried placards with inscriptions such as “Is Adeleke Governor of Ede or Osun State?”

Addressing journalists, Otunba Lai Oriowo, a renowned aviation expert and head of the technical team, explained the rationale behind the relocation. He emphasised that the decision was devoid of political considerations and based entirely on technical evaluations.

“We are technical people and will not delve into political issues. Our focus is on the technical conditions of the Ido-Osun airport site, aviation regulations, and standards set by the International Civil Aviation Authorities.”

Oriowo, who participated in the project’s early planning under former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, outlined the historical context of the project.

He stated: “I recall that several administrations took various steps on this project. The last government even ceded the Ido-Osun site to the Air Force, and there’s documentation to that effect.

“When the new administration came into office, it set up a technical committee to review all issues and make an informed decision. The committee comprises aviation professionals.

According to Oriowo, the committee’s findings regarding the Ido-Osun site include:

“The total area of the site is approximately 3,871,806.34 square metres (387.18 hectares) and the existing 1.67 km runway does not meet the required standard for a full-fledged airport.

“The minimum runway length for a standard airport is 4.8 km, while the required length for a Class 4E aircraft is 5.1 km, including safety areas.

“There is insufficient land at the 04-approach threshold near Adeleke Secondary School and the 22-approach threshold near Oshogbo-Ede bypass to accommodate safety requirements.”

Oriowo noted that these limitations rendered the Ido-Osun site unsuitable for a full-fledged airport, though it would still serve as a training school for the Air Force based on an MOU between the state and the Air Force.

“The technical team, in collaboration with aviation agencies in Abuja, assessed alternative sites in May 2024. After a thorough evaluation, the team recommended Akoda, Ede, as the most suitable location for the airport.

“The state government was advised to proceed with soil testing, an environmental impact assessment, and wind-rose analysis for the Akoda site. It was also directed to prepare a topographical map and a draft design for the proposed airport.”

Oriowo revealed that the perimeter survey of the Akoda site showed a total size of 1,922.111 hectares, with a proposed 5.6 km runway, meeting international standards.

He further disclosed that the state government had paid ₦5.091 million to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency for wind-rose and daily wind analysis, and ₦30 million as fees for the airport design.

“The state government remains committed to ensuring the smooth approval and eventual take-off of this critical infrastructure project.”