Osun State Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, has clarified the state’s decision to move the proposed airport project from Ido-Osun to Ede, providing reasons for the relocation during a live radio discussion in Osogbo on Wednesday.
Adewusi explained that the land originally allocated for the airport in Ido-Osun was insufficient for an international airport of the proposed scale. He noted that the area could not accommodate the necessary runway length and infrastructure required for such a project.
The Deputy Governor also addressed concerns raised by residents of Ido-Osun, who protested the relocation on Tuesday, calling it unfair and discriminatory. The community, through statements signed by local leaders, urged the state government to reverse its decision.
Adewusi further explained that continuing the project in Ido-Osun would incur high costs for compensating the affected community members. He stressed the importance of forward-thinking when planning such major projects. “We should not base decisions on sentiment. The current site, with the nearby Air Force base, is not suitable for an international airport,” he said. “If we proceed with the project at Ido-Osun and later find that the airport cannot accommodate future flight traffic, what would we do?”
Addressing the claim that a ditch on the land made it unsuitable for the project, Adewusi confirmed that investigations showed the area could not accommodate the required 3.5km runway. He emphasized the necessity of securing larger, more appropriate land for the airport’s long-term viability.
He reassured that the relocation was not driven by any animosity toward Ido-Osun, stating, “Ido-Osun people are part of Osun State, and we have no issues with them. The late king of Ido-Osun was a friend to the government, and there is no need for sentiment in this matter.”
Adewusi also pointed out that if critics could secure sufficient land in Osogbo, the government would consider it, emphasizing that Governor Ademola Adeleke is pragmatic and does not let sentiment influence decisions.
