FG Suspends Relocation of Controversial Osun Airport to Ede
Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has suspended the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State Airport.
It would be recalled that Ido-Osun community recently expressed dissatisfaction and disappointment with the Osun State Government’s decision to relocate the ongoing Ido-Osun Airport to Ede.
However, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development yesterday announced the suspension of the planned foundation-laying ceremony for the Osun State International Airport.
The decision to suspend the foundation-laying ceremony follows several petitions challenging the relocation of the airport from its present location at Ido-Osun to Akoda, Ede.
In a letter dated December 6, 2024, addressed to the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and sighted by THISDAY, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation raised concerns about the duplication and wastage of resources associated with the project.
The ministry, the letter noted, prioritises the judicious use of public resources and has requested the temporary suspension of the project to reassess its necessity and long-term benefits to the state and the country.
Meanwhile, the Ido-Osun community had earlier expressed their displeasure and disappointment with the Osun State Government’s decision to move the ongoing Ido-Osun Airport to Ede, the home town of Governor Adeleke.
The community noted that this decision amounts to nepotism and favoritism, as it goes against the oath of democracy that Governor Ademola Adeleke took when he was sworn in as the governor.
The community, which protested the relocation, also listed their grievances, which include the renaming of the airport, the installation of a Baalè in their town, and the use of guns to chase farmers away from their land.
It would be recalled that the airport has been in existence since 1936, and over N20 billion has been spent on it by past governments.
The community equally appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prevail on Governor Adeleke to reverse the decision, as it undermines the rights and interests of the people of Ido-Osun.
The community also asked Osun State Government to reconsider the decision and complete the airport in Ido-Osun, rather than relocating it to Ede.
The Ido-Osun people also vowed to continue to advocate their rights and interests and will not hesitate to take further action if the decision is not reversed.
The community also accused the Osun State Government of bias, alleging that they are favouring Ede and its paramount ruler, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, by supporting what they perceive as an expansionist agenda.
The Ido-Osun people vowed to resist this “evil and insensitive agenda” with all their might, and have called on the government to prioritize the welfare and development of all communities in Osun State, without bias or favoritism.
The community, however appealed to President Tinubu to look into the matter, as it could degenerate into a communal chaos considering the previous action of Ede town against Ido-Osun.
