Osun State Airport : Governor Adeleke Justifies the Controversial Relocation

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration in Osun State has made headlines with its decision to relocate the state’s proposed airport project from Ido-Osun to Akoda, Ede. The move, which has sparked protests, particularly from residents of Ido-Osun, is being justified by the Osun state government on technical grounds rather than political motivations. Governor Adeleke’s decision, however, has not been without controversy, with accusations of nepotism coming from political opponents. Despite this, officials from the state government insist that the relocation is necessary for ensuring the project meets aviation standards and is feasible for future growth.

The relocation was triggered by serious concerns about the existing site in Ido-Osun, which was found to have numerous technical shortcomings. A key member of the project’s technical committee, Lai Oriowo, explained that the Ido-Osun site lacked the proper infrastructure to accommodate modern aviation needs. Among the issues identified was the inadequate runway length, which failed to meet the required 4.8 km for a standard airport. The current runway was only 1.67 km long, far shorter than the minimum standards for the class 4E aircraft intended for the airport. Additionally, the location of critical buildings like the terminal, control tower, and fire rescue facilities were deemed unsuitable due to poor alignment with the runway.

Technical and Safety Concerns Over Ido-Osun Airport Site

Lai Oriowo, speaking on behalf of the technical committee, further elaborated on the multiple technical and safety challenges of the Ido-Osun location. The site’s existing infrastructure, including the culvert and drainage systems, were incompatible with aviation requirements. Oriowo highlighted that the runway required a 150-meter culvert, but the Ido-Osun site only provided a 65-meter culvert. Additionally, the committee discovered that several structures were either improperly located or had to be moved for the airport to meet international safety standards. These findings led the committee to recommend the relocation to Akoda, Ede, a more viable site in terms of technicality and accessibility.

However, despite the thorough explanation of the technical reasons for the move, the decision has been met with strong opposition, particularly from members of the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC). APC leaders, including spokesperson Kola Olabisi, have criticized the state government for abandoning the significant investments already made in Ido-Osun. Olabisi described the committee’s justification as “shallow and mischievous,” arguing that the government should have demolished any illegal structures at the site rather than moving the entire project to Ede. The APC’s accusations of favoritism and selfishness center on the fact that Ede is Governor Adeleke’s hometown, raising suspicions of nepotism.

Opposition to Relocation from Ido-Osun Residents

The relocation has not only triggered political debates but also led to protests from residents of Ido-Osun in Egbedore Local Government Area. On Tuesday, a group of Ido-Osun indigenes took to the streets, voicing their discontent with the state government’s decision. Protesters chanted anti-government slogans, demanding that the airport project remain in their town. They argued that the government’s explanation of the technical challenges at the Ido-Osun site was insufficient and failed to address the concerns of local residents who had long hoped that the airport would bring significant development and investment to the area.

The protests highlight the deep sense of loss felt by many in Ido-Osun, who see the airport project as a key driver of economic growth. The relocation to Ede, they argue, overlooks the potential benefits the project could bring to Ido-Osun, particularly in terms of job creation and infrastructure development. The growing tension has put the Osun state government on the defensive, with Governor Adeleke maintaining that the decision is grounded in technical and safety concerns rather than political favoritism.

Political Controversies and the Road Ahead for Osun State’s Airport Project

As the controversy surrounding the relocation continues to unfold, political analysts and local stakeholders are closely watching how the situation will evolve. The decision has exposed rifts not only within the local communities but also within the political landscape of Osun State. Governor Adeleke’s critics within the opposition APC argue that the move is emblematic of a broader pattern of favoritism towards Ede, with claims that many of the governor’s policies are disproportionately focused on his hometown.

Despite the political backlash, the Osun state government has remained firm in its stance, emphasizing that the decision to relocate the airport is based on careful analysis and a commitment to building a safer, more viable infrastructure for Osun State. The government has also stated that the airport project will continue to serve as a catalyst for development, with the Ido-Osun site still being utilized for other purposes, such as a training school and alternate airport under the Nigerian Air Force. The ongoing debate is likely to shape future discussions on Osun state infrastructure projects and the balance between local interests and broader developmental goals.