The administration of President Bola Tinubu has suspended the planned relocation of Osun State International Airport by Governor Ademola Adeleke
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development made this known in a statement obtained by DAILY GIST on Tuesday.
The development marks a significant setback for Adeleke’s administration in the ongoing disputes over the airport’s future.
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.
Gov Adeleke had announced that the foundation-laying ceremony for the new airport would be held on December 16, 2024, in Ede, his hometown.
However, the proposed relocation was vehemently rejected by the Ido-Osun community who had staged protests, condemning the move as nepotistic and undemocratic
In response, the Osun state government said the planned relocation of the Airport has nothing to with politics.
it cited encroachment on the Ido-Osun airport land, the presence of gullies, and the inadequacy of the runway as reasons for the decision.
In a letter addressed to the Osun State Governor, 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, prioritizes 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.
The letter was titled “Re: Invitation as a Special Guest of Honour at the Foundation Laying Ceremony of the Osun State International Airport.”
It reads: 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 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.”
