Gov Adeleke accused of project bias, defiance on airport relocation

News update

THE Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of concentrating developmental projects in his hometown, Ede, and flouting a Federal Government directive suspending the relocation of the Osun State International Airport project.

Meanwhile, the governor’s spokesperson has denied the allegations.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo, the APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, described the Adeleke administration as “incorrigible and selfish without any consideration for the even development of all the towns making up the state”.

The party alleged that since assuming office, Governor Adeleke had concentrated significant projects in Ede.

“Ede is like a construction site as all the four entrances leading to the ancient town have either been dualised or undergoing dualisation at a fast rate as workers are working there day and night,” the Osun APC alleged.

According to the APC, while several inner roads in Ede had been tarred, “no meaningful developmental project is noticeable in other towns and villages in Osun State under the administration of Governor Adeleke”.

The party further questioned the role of the State House of Assembly, asking why lawmakers had allegedly remained silent.

“What would be the excuse of the pliable Osun State lawmakers when they are confronted by their constituents,” the statement queried.

On the airport project, the APC alleged that the state government had ignored a directive from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to suspend the relocation of the airport from Ido-Osun to Ede.

The party referenced a letter dated 6th December 2024, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Emmanuel D. Meribole, which requested the suspension of the foundation-laying ceremony “until the issues regarding the petitions over the existing airstrip/airport are resolved and to harmonise the state’s efforts with that of the federal government.”

Quoting the letter, the APC noted that “the Federal Government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds to curtail wastage of resources”.

The party also stressed that both governments “must be in synch before the project takes off”.

The opposition party challenged the governor to clarify whether the suspension directive had been lifted and to confirm or deny allegations that N10 billion had been allocated to continue work on the project.

“An answer to the query would help to douse the existing tension in the state in this regard,” Olabisi said.

Responding through a statement issued on Thursday, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the claims, insisting that infrastructure projects under the Adeleke administration are inclusive and evenly distributed across major towns in the state.

Rasheed stated that it was incorrect to suggest that projects were limited to Ede, listing several towns where infrastructure works were ongoing.

“The Obalufon of Ile-Ife has just commended Governor Adeleke for the N14 billion flyover and dualisation projects at Ile Ife. Residents had acknowledged over 14 roads executed in the town,” Rasheed added.

He also cited projects in Ilesa, Iwo, Ikirun, Ila and Osogbo, stating that “Mr Governor never discriminated when it comes to development.”

On the airport controversy, Rasheed maintained that the administration remained committed to delivering a cargo and commercial airport within the bounds of the law.

“The present administration is committed to expanding the transport and logistics capacity of Osun State across all transport modes.

“Ido Osun remains an airstrip housing the Air Force training centre and the proposed airstrip by the Federal Government,” he added.

He also insisted that there was no change to that status and that the state government would continue to pursue development in accordance with due process.