The Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Osun state chapter, has criticized the state government over the relocation of the Osun Airport project to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s hometown in Ede.
Recall that the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, recently announced that Works Minister, David Umahi and the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo SAN, would lay the foundation of the relocated airport at Ede on December 16 as part of activities marking the second year anniversary of the governor.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of APM in Osun, Wale Adebayo, the party described the governor’s style of governance as anti-democratic.
Adebayo, who is also a former chairman of the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), Osun state chapter, further lamented that the relocation of the airport project undermines the principle of fairness and transparency, as it appears to prioritize personal interests over the collective good of the people of Osun State.
“We, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) expressed our strong displeasure over the recent decision by Governor Ademola Adeleke to relocate the Osun State airport construction project from its original site in Ido-Osun to his hometown, Ede.
“We find this decision troubling, especially considering the N20 billion already invested in the original project site.
“This is pure nepotism and anti-democratic. He is governing the state as if he is the governor of Ede and not Osun State. Most of the initiatives of his government are concentrated in Ede as if other communities did not vote for him.
“The airport, which was initially planned for Ido-Osun, has been a long-standing project aimed at improving transportation infrastructure, attracting investment, and fostering economic growth in Osun State.
“However, Governor Adeleke’s decision to relocate the project raises serious questions about governance, accountability, and equitable development.
“We condemn the governor’s decision because to relocate such a critical project to the governor’s hometown reeks of political favouritism and disregards the resources and efforts already committed to the Ido-Osun site.
“Osun State cannot afford to waste N20 billion of public funds, especially during these challenging economic times. “
“We demand reconsideration and seek for immediate reversal of the relocation decision. We demand that President Bola Tinubu should prevail on Governor Adeleke .”
He however urged the Ministers of Works, David Umahi and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo to shun the groundbreaking of the newly relocated airport in Ede.
But in its reaction, the Osun state government has given reasons for the relocation of the airport
In a press conference held on Thursday, a member of the Osun Airport Technical Committee, Lai Oriowo, explained that the project was discontinued in Ido-Osun and relocated it to Ede because the old site was unsuitable for a full-fledged airport.
He stated that when Adeleke’s government came on board, it set up a technical committee comprising professionals in the aviation sector from far and near, noting that the committee discovered that the existing runway, which is 1.67km did not meet the required standard.
Oriowo explained that the total area of the site was approximately estimated to be 3,871,806.34 square meters (387.18 Ha).
He pointed out that the team asked the Osun government to carry out the Topography Map and wind-rouse analysis of the site while also proceeding with the proposed draft design of the airport.
He said after the technical team’s visit from the Ministry of Aviation, a perimeter survey was carried out, which revealed the total size of the site at Akoda Ede, to be 1922.111 hectares while the runway will be 5.6 km for a standard airport as envisioned by the state government.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then