The Federal Government has stopped a move by Governor Ademola Adeleke to relocate the Osun State International Airport from Ido-Osun town to his hometown Ede.
The move has led to widespread protests by the original host community.
Despite the hue and cry, Governor Ademola Adeleke announced the foundation-laying ceremony of the new airport for December 16, 2024, in Ede, with the attendance of key dignitaries, including Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo.
In defence, the Osun government cited encroachment on the Ido-Osun airport land, the presence of gullies, and the inadequacy of the runway as reasons for the decision.
However, a letter dated December 6, 2024, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, Dr. Emmanuel D. Meribole, and addressed to Governor Adeleke, the ministry directed the state government to suspend the project indefinitely.
The letter stated: “Re: Invitation as a Special Guest of Honour at the Foundation Laying Ceremony of the Osun State International Airport. I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. 5.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188 dated 21st November 2024 on the above subject and to 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 and to harmonize the state’s efforts with that of the Federal Government.
“Your Excellency may wish to note that the airstrip is a federal project that is captured in the Ministry’s 2024 Appropriation. We also note that you have made arrangements to expand the airstrip to an international airport. In addition, there is a petition indicating there is an existing airstrip where funds have been expended and the need to use the site for the present airstrip instead of a new site.
“The Federal Government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds to curtail wastage of resources. As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration between state and Federal Governments, we must be in sync before the project takes off.
“Accordingly, Your Excellency is respectfully requested to reschedule the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State Airport pending the resolution of the petitions and selection of a mutually agreed date. Please, accept the assurances of the Honourable Minister’s highest regards.”
