Osun Airport Project: FG withdraws N64b approval due to relocation controversy

The Federal Government has withdrawn from the foundation-laying ceremony for the planned Osun State International Airport in Ede.

The decision follows a request from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

As gathered by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier scheduled the ceremony to be held on December 13.

However, the ministry has requested a delay until ongoing disputes related to the project are addressed.

The proposed relocation of the airport from Ido-Osun to Ede, which is Adeleke hometown, has sparked significant controversy.

A state government committee indicated that the original site in Ido-Osun failed to meet essential aviation standards, leading to the proposed move.

In October 2017, the state government renewed its commitment to the airport project.

However, due to severe financial constraints, the administration of Rauf Aregbesola chose to pursue a concession model.

By the time Aregbesola left office, the budget for the airport had ballooned to N69 billion.

Reports had it that approximately N12 billions of funds from Osun indigenes had already been invested in the construction site.

Tensions between Ido-Osun and Ede have resurfaced due to the recent decision.

Earlier this week, residents of Ido-Osun protested against the planned relocation of the airport.

In a letter dated December 6, signed by the state’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Merinole, shared with the PUNCH on Tuesday, the ministry’s request for postponement was communicated.

The letter stated, “I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. S.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188 dated 21 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 harmonise the state’s efforts with that of the Federal Government.”

Furthermore, the letter highlighted that the airstrip is a federal project included in the ministry’s 2024 budget.

“The state’s plan to upgrade the airport to international status should be harmonized with federal goals to prevent unnecessary duplication.”

The statement added, “Your Excellency, please note that the airstrip is a federally funded project included in the Ministry’s 2024 Appropriation.”

“We also recognize your initiatives to expand the airstrip into an international airport.

“Moreover, a petition has been filed, indicating that an existing airstrip has already received funding and should be considered for the current project instead of establishing a new site.”

The letter stressed the importance of using public funds effectively, stating, “It is the Federal Government’s responsibility to guarantee prudent utilization of funds, thereby minimizing resource wastage.”

“As a joint initiative between the state and federal governments, it is essential that we align our strategies before proceeding with the Airstrip Project.”

The ministry formally urged the governor to postpone the event.

Merinole wrote, “Accordingly, we respectfully request that Your Excellency consider rescheduling the foundation-laying ceremony of the Osun State Airport until the outstanding petitions have been resolved and a mutually acceptable date has been agreed upon.”

When contacted for clarification, Tunde Moshood, the media aide to the minister, stated that the airport project is currently cancelled due to numerous petitions against its continuation.

He explained that the government is halting the construction of the aerodrome because the previous administration had received approval for a different location for the airport.

According to Moshood, “The airport project has been temporarily suspended due to the fact that the previous administration obtained approval for a specific location, and concurrent approvals are not permissible.”.

“Although we were part of the process, we acknowledge the possibility of an oversight, which is now being brought to our attention through various petitions.”

10 interesting facts about Osun

Name: Osun State takes its name from the Osun River, which flows through the region.

Capital: Osogbo serves as the capital city of Osun State.

Geography: Osun State features a blend of Nigerian lowland forests and the Guinean forest–savanna mosaic.

Economy: Agriculture largely drives the economy, with yams, cassava, corn, beans, millet, plantains, cacao, palm oil, and kernels as key crops.

Culture: Osun State showcases rich cultural heritage, traditional festivals, and diverse ethnic groups like the Osun, Ifes, Ijesas, and Igbominas.

Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove: The UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of a dense forest containing shrines and art dedicated to the goddess Osun.

Festivals: Osun State celebrates various festivals, notably the Osun Osogbo International Festival, Olojo Festival, and Iwude Festival.

Tourist Attractions:  Notable attractions include Nike Art Centre, Erin Ijesha Waterfall, Genesis Art Gallery, and Vrpark Nigeria.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook