Residents of Ido-Osun, a community in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, staged a protest on Tuesday against Governor Ademola Adeleke’s alleged decision to relocate the M.K.O Abiola Airport project to his hometown, Ede.
The protest followed an announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, on plans for Governor Adeleke’s second-anniversary celebrations.
The plans include laying the foundation for a new airport in Ede, an event set to involve the Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo.
The protesters, led by Chief Oyewale Basiru, the Eesa of Ido-Osun, and former state legislator Abiodun Awolola, gathered at the palace of the community’s monarch.
They carried placards with inscriptions such as, “Is Adeleke governor of Ede or Osun State?”, “We say no to favouritism”, and “Relocating the airport to your hometown is nepotistic.”
Awolola, who spoke on behalf of the community, condemned the relocation decision and described it as nepotistic and a betrayal of promises made to the community.
He stated that over N20b had already been invested in the airport project at Ido-Osun by previous administrations.
“Removing the airport from the original location to Adeleke’s hometown will amount to nepotism and favouritism, which oppose the oath of democracy he took when sworn in as governor,” Awolola stated.
He further criticized the role of Kolapo Alimi, a member of Adeleke’s administration who also served under former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, accusing him of justifying the relocation despite being aware of the work already completed and the funds expended.
“Adeleke made a promise to our late king to complete the project but the reverse is the case now. Unfortunately, Kolapo Alimi who served under the government of Rauf Aregbesola and now under Adeleke is the one stating reasons to relocate the airport despite knowing the level of work done and the billions of Naira that had been expended on it.
“The government decision is unacceptable and unjust, as it undermines the rights and interests of the people of Ido-Osun.
Awolola called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging him to direct his ministers to boycott the foundation-laying ceremony in Ede.
The community warned that the decision could spark tension between the neighbouring communities of Ido-Osun and Ede.
The protesters asked the Osun State Government to reverse its decision and resume work on the original site in Ido-Osun. They insisted that abandoning the project at its current location would not only waste public funds but also undermine the trust of the community in the state’s leadership.
He added: “We urge the Osun State Government to reconsider this decision and maintain the original plan and complete the airport because the decision can lead to a communal clash between Ido-Osun and Ede communities as they share boundaries.
“Citing encroachment as the reason for relocating the airport lacks logic because their institution encroached on that land before time. We have enough land for the airport.”