The proposed Osun State International Airport project has become mired in controversy, leading to the Federal Government’s withdrawal from its foundation-laying ceremony. Originally scheduled for December 13, 2024, the event was postponed at the request of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, citing the need to resolve disputes surrounding the project’s location and ensure alignment with federal objectives. The project, championed by Governor Ademola Adeleke, involves relocating the airport from its initial site in Ido-Osun to Ede, the governor’s hometown. This relocation has sparked significant tension and protests from the Ido-Osun community, reigniting a long-standing rivalry between the two towns.
The controversy stems from the project’s convoluted history. Initiated under a previous administration, the airport project was stalled due to financial constraints, leading to the exploration of concession options. The budget for the project had ballooned to a staggering N69 billion, with approximately N12 billion already invested in the original Ido-Osun site. However, a state government committee later declared the Ido-Osun site unsuitable, citing its failure to meet basic aviation requirements. This assessment paved the way for the proposed relocation to Ede, a move that has been met with resistance and accusations of favoritism.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in a letter addressed to Governor Adeleke, outlined its concerns regarding the project. The ministry emphasized that the existing airstrip is a federal project, included in its 2024 budget, and any expansion plans must be coordinated with the federal government. The letter also acknowledged the existence of petitions challenging the relocation and advocating for the utilization of the existing Ido-Osun site. Citing its mandate to ensure judicious use of public funds, the ministry stressed the need for synchronized efforts between the state and federal governments to avoid wastage of resources.
The ministry’s primary concern revolves around the potential duplication of efforts and inefficient expenditure of public funds. With significant investment already made in the Ido-Osun site, the ministry questioned the rationale behind relocating the project, especially given the existence of petitions disputing the suitability of the Ede location. The ministry’s request for a postponement of the foundation-laying ceremony underscores its commitment to resolving these issues before proceeding with further development. This cautious approach seeks to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively and that the project aligns with broader aviation development goals.
Adding further complexity to the situation, the minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, announced the cancellation of the airport project, citing a litany of petitions and the discovery that the previous administration had obtained approval for a different location. This statement contradicts the earlier communication from the ministry, which called for a postponement rather than a cancellation. The conflicting information highlights the lack of clarity surrounding the project’s future and the apparent disconnect between the ministry’s official stance and the pronouncements of the minister’s aide.
The Osun State International Airport project finds itself at a crossroads. Beset by controversy, accusations of political maneuvering, and conflicting statements from federal authorities, the project’s future remains uncertain. The competing interests of the Ido-Osun and Ede communities, coupled with the need for fiscal prudence and adherence to aviation regulations, have created a complex web of challenges. Resolving these issues and charting a clear path forward will require transparent communication, collaboration between the state and federal governments, and a commitment to prioritizing the best interests of the public. Until these challenges are addressed, the dream of an international airport in Osun State remains grounded in uncertainty.
