The Federal Government has withdrawn from the foundation-laying ceremony of the proposed Osun State International Airport in Ede. This decision followed a request by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, citing unresolved disputes surrounding the project.
The event, initially scheduled for December 13 by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has been postponed pending resolution of the issues.
The decision to relocate the airport from Ido-Osun to Ede, Governor Adeleke’s hometown, has sparked controversy and tension. A state government committee previously reported that the original site in Ido-Osun failed to meet essential aviation standards, leading to the proposed relocation.
In a letter dated December 6 and signed by the permanent secretary, Emmanuel Merinole, the Ministry of Aviation requested the postponement, emphasizing the need for alignment between state and federal plans. The letter noted that the airstrip is a federal project included in the 2024 budget, and any expansion to an international airport must align with federal objectives.
The letter stated:
“Your Excellency may wish to note that the airstrip is a federal project captured in the Ministry’s 2024 Appropriation. There is a petition suggesting an existing airstrip where funds have been invested should be utilized instead of a new location. We must ensure judicious use of public funds to prevent wastage. As this project is a collaboration between the state and federal governments, synchronizing efforts is essential before proceeding.”
The federal ministry stressed the importance of efficiency and called for the postponement of the ceremony until petitions were resolved.
Governor Adeleke’s plan to relocate the project has reignited longstanding tensions between residents of Ido-Osun and Ede. Earlier this week, protests erupted in the Ido community over the proposed move.
Responding to inquiries, the Minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, confirmed the project’s cancellation due to numerous petitions and discrepancies in site approvals by the previous administration. Moshood explained:
“The airport has been halted for now because the prior administration secured approval for a different location. There cannot be two simultaneous approvals. While the federal ministry was initially involved, petitions have brought these issues to light.”
Attempts to reach Olawale Rasheed, the Chief Press Secretary to the state government, for a statement were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
