- Aviation ministry writes Adeleke
Following the controversies and protests that greeted the decision of Governor Ademola Adeleke to relocate the ongoing Osun Airport project from Ido-Osun to his hometown, Ede, Federal Government has suspended the move.
It will be recalled that Osun State Government had announced that foundation laying for the new airport project would be held on December 16 and Ministers of Works, Aviation; David Umahi and Festus Keyamo, would join Adeleke in Ede for the ceremony.
Later, Ido-Osun community protested against the move, as groups described Adeleke’s decision as an act of nepotism and anti-democratic. However, Osun State Government hinged its decision on the encroachment of airport land, gully and small runway at Ido Osun.
A letter from Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace with reference number FMA/ADD/402/S.3/6.4/Vol,I/56, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole and addressed to Governor Adeleke on December 6, directed that the decision should be suspended indefinitely.
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The letter, which was exclusively obtained by The Nation, titled ‘Re: Invitation as a Special Guest of Honour at the Foundation Laying Ceremony of Osun State International Airport’, said: ‘’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 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.
“Your Excellency may wish to note that the airstrip is a federal project 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 in order to curtail wastage of resources. As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration betweén state and federal Governments, it is important we are in synch before the project takes off.
“Accordingly, Your Excellency is respectfully requested to reschedule the foundation laying ceremony of 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.”