The Federal Government has withdrawn from the foundation-laying ceremony of the proposed Osun State International Airport in Ede, scheduled for December 13, following a request by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The decision stems from unresolved disputes surrounding the relocation of the project from Ido-Osun to Ede, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s hometown, sparking controversy among communities.
In a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Emmanuel Merinole, the ministry urged Governor Adeleke to postpone the event, citing the need to address existing petitions and harmonize plans with federal objectives.
“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,” the letter stated.
The federal government emphasized the necessity of ensuring efficient use of public funds, highlighting concerns over conflicting approvals and the use of resources.
Meanwhile, tension continues to rise between Ido-Osun and Ede communities. Residents of Ido-Osun have protested the relocation, as the original site had previously received budgetary allocations of N12 billion.
According to Tunde Moshood, media aide to Minister Keyamo, the project has been halted due to a “litany of petitions” and concerns over dual site approvals.
“The airport has been cancelled for now because the previous administration got approval to site the airport in a particular location, and there can’t be two approvals at the same time,” he clarified.
The delay reflects the ongoing challenges of balancing state and federal interests in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Both governments now face pressure to resolve the dispute and ensure the project benefits the people of Osun State without further setbacks.
