The Federal Government has called for a suspension of the foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed Osun State International Airport in Ede, following a request by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The event, originally scheduled for December 13, has been postponed to address disputes surrounding the project.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had initiated plans to relocate the airport from its original site in Ido-Osun to Ede, his hometown.
However, the decision has sparked tension, with Ido-Osun residents staging protests against the move earlier this week.
In a letter dated December 6, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Emmanuel Merinole, the Federal Government emphasized the need for alignment between state and federal plans before proceeding with the project.
The letter stated, “Your Excellency is respectfully requested 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 harmonise the state’s efforts with that of the Federal Government.”
The ministry cited concerns over the relocation, noting that the airstrip in Ido-Osun is a federal project listed in the 2024 budget. The state’s expansion plan to upgrade it to an international airport requires coordination with federal objectives.
“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 letter added.
Merinole further highlighted the importance of judicious fund management, stating, “The Federal Government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds in order to curtail wastage of resources. As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration between the State and Federal Governments, it is important we are in synch before the project takes off.”
The decision to move the airport has stirred a long-standing rivalry between the Ede and Ido-Osun communities. A state government committee previously argued that the original site in Ido-Osun did not meet basic aviation requirements, prompting the proposed relocation to Ede.
Despite multiple attempts to reach the Chief Press Secretary to the Osun State Government, Olawale Rasheed, there has been no official response as of the time of reporting.
The ministry concluded its letter with a plea for patience, urging Governor Adeleke to reschedule the event. “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.”
