The Federal Government has withdrawn from participating in the foundation-laying ceremony of the proposed Osun State International Airport in Ede, following a request by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

Initially planned for December 13 by Governor Ademola Adeleke, the event was postponed due to unresolved disputes surrounding the project, particularly the controversial relocation of the airport site from Ido-Osun to Ede, Adeleke’s hometown.

Reasons Behind the Suspension

The Federal Ministry of Aviation highlighted several concerns in a letter dated December 6, signed by Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Merinole. The ministry emphasized the need to harmonize the state’s airport expansion plans with federal objectives.

The letter stated:

“The airstrip is a federal project that is captured in the Ministry’s 2024 Appropriation. We also note that you have made arrangements to expand the airstrip to an international airport. 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 stressed its responsibility to ensure the efficient use of public funds and avoid resource wastage, given the collaborative nature of the project between state and federal authorities.

Controversy Over Site Relocation

The decision to move the airport project from Ido-Osun to Ede has reignited tensions between the two communities. A state government committee had cited the unsuitability of the original site in Ido-Osun for meeting aviation requirements, but residents of Ido-Osun protested the relocation earlier this week.

The rivalry has historical underpinnings, and the relocation has further deepened the discord.

Federal Call for Dialogue

The Federal Government urged Governor Adeleke to reschedule the foundation-laying ceremony until petitions are addressed and both parties agree on the project’s direction.

Merinole added:

“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 between the State and Federal Governments, it is important we are in sync before the project takes off.”

No Official State Response Yet

Attempts to reach the Chief Press Secretary to the Osun State Government, Olawale Rasheed, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting.

This development has delayed the ambitious airport project, leaving stakeholders and communities awaiting further resolutions.