₦airaland Forum

The federal government has suspended the relocation of the Osun State International Airport project from Ido-Osun to Ede, following widespread controversies and protests.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had announced that the foundation-laying ceremony for the new airport would be held on December 16, 2024, in Ede, his hometown.

The event was to feature key dignitaries, including Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo.

However, the proposed relocation drew sharp criticism.

The Ido-Osun community staged protests, condemning the move as nepotistic and undemocratic.

Critics argued that the relocation prioritised personal interest over public good.

In defence, the Osun state government cited encroachment on the Ido-Osun airport land, the presence of gullies, and the inadequacy of the r[/b]unway as reasons for the decision.

In a letter dated December 6, 2024, signed by the [b]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, obtained exclusively by The Nation, 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.”

This development marks a significant setback for Governor Adeleke’s administration amid ongoing disputes over the airport’s future.

“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 synch 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.”

MadamVanessa:



Same idîotic useless federal government that can't boast of anything want to stop a working governor like Adeleke to work for his people.

NoIgboSoundTueh:
I think we biafrans should face our igodomigodo and focus on how to get out our jailed leaders across the world
Nnamdi Kanu in Kirikiri
Simon Ekpa is in finland prison
These should be our priority now

Dialpad:
In a state where the living wage for the average person is less than $1, a governor thinks the smartest thing to do is to focus on building airports that no one will come to?

Clueless?

MadamVanessa:



Same idîotic useless federal government that can't boast of anything want to stop a working governor like Adeleke from working for his people.

MadamVanessa:



Same idîotic useless federal government that can't boast of anything want to stop a working governor like Adeleke from working for his people.

hoeminique:
Another fake airport like the Ibadan & MKO airports that are grazing sites for herdsmen cattle.

press9jatv:
Adeleke is a clueless goner

eliwa47:
Very good decision

MadamVanessa:



I think we batidiots should pray for sense and also pray for sense too for the zoogeria leaders especially those from our western region, for them to understand that there's no harm in seeking for self independence, that you can't force people to be in a zoo they don't want to be part of. What is so hard for us to understand here? but we claimed to be the most sophisticated. It's a shame to us, because our actions always contradict what we claimed to be.

MondayOmoAdugbo:
So you think nobody will use the airport? 👀

MadamVanessa:



Same idîotic useless federal government that can't boast of anything want to stop a working governor like Adeleke from working for his people.

press9jatv:
Adeleke is a clueless goner

Dialpad:
Will you use it if you have options ?

OriOko88:
Ido and Ede are almost the same town. Ido osun is like a suburb of Ede. So whether the airport is in Ido or Ede its still a win win for both towns

SalamRushdie:
It's actually better in Ede because only the Adeleke have two private jets , I don't think any commercial airline will want to go to Osun