The federal government has ordered the suspension of the controversial relocation of the Osun State International Airport project from Ido-Osun to Ede, following protests and growing tensions.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had planned to lay the foundation for the new airport in Ede, his hometown, on December 16, 2024.
The event was expected to include high-profile dignitaries, including the Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo.
However, the proposal has sparked widespread protests, especially from the Ido-Osun community, who view the move as biased and driven by personal interest rather than public good.
Critics argue that the relocation would unfairly benefit Ede, Adeleke’s hometown, while disregarding Ido-Osun, where the airport project was initially planned.
“The decision to move the airport is unjust and undemocratic,” said one protester in Ido-Osun. “It shows that the government is more focused on political gains than on the welfare of the people.”
The Osun State government, on the other hand, has defended the relocation. Officials pointed to the land encroachment issues at the Ido-Osun site, along with the presence of dangerous gullies and an insufficient runway, as reasons for the shift.
Despite these claims, the controversy has not died down, and the protests have only grown louder in recent weeks.
In a significant development, the Federal Ministry of Aviation intervened in the situation. A letter dated December 6, 2024, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Emmanuel D. Meribole, instructed the state government to suspend the project indefinitely.
The letter, which was obtained exclusively by The Nation, called for the suspension of the foundation-laying ceremony until the disputes surrounding the airport project are resolved.
The letter read: “We 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.”
The letter further stated that the airstrip in Ido-Osun is a federal project, included in the Ministry’s 2024 budget. The federal government has expressed concerns that moving forward with the new airport site in Ede could lead to unnecessary duplication of efforts and wasteful spending.
It also highlighted petitions that have been submitted, questioning the need for a new site when funds have already been allocated for the current airstrip.
“The federal government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds to curtail wastage of resources,” the letter stated. “As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration between state and federal governments, we must be in sync before the project takes off.”
The letter concluded by urging Adeleke to reschedule the foundation-laying ceremony until a mutual agreement could be reached.
This intervention has dealt a significant blow to Governor Adeleke’s plans, which were already facing mounting criticism from local communities and political opponents.
“We are committed to a transparent and inclusive process, and we expect the state government to resolve these issues with all stakeholders involved,” said a source from the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
The tension surrounding the Osun airport project highlights a growing divide between state and federal authorities, as well as local communities. While the state government is keen to boost its infrastructure and develop the region, critics argue that the current controversy is more about political favoritism than genuine development.
As protests continue in Ido-Osun, the people there are demanding that the federal government step in to protect their interests.
“This is not just about the airport,” said another local resident. “It’s about fairness. If the state government truly cares about all of us, they would not ignore our concerns.”
Governor Adeleke has yet to publicly respond to the suspension order from the federal government. However, the state’s Ministry of Works has stated that discussions with federal officials are ongoing, and that they hope to reach a resolution soon.
The outcome of this dispute could have major implications for future infrastructure projects in the state, as it underscores the complex relationship between state and federal governments in Nigeria.
The federal government’s decision to pause the project also raises important questions about accountability in the management of public resources. The tension over the Osun airport project is a reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s federal system, where political interests and local concerns often collide.
For now, the future of the Osun State International Airport remains uncertain. Both the state and federal governments have stressed the need for cooperation, but with protests intensifying, it remains to be seen if a compromise can be reached.