The special committee appointed by the Osun State Government to supervise the development of a new airport has addressed concerns of favoritism in its decision to move the project from Ido Osun to Ede, the hometown of Governor Ademola Adeleke. A committee member, Mr. Lai Oriowo, clarified the rationale behind the relocation during a press briefing in Osogbo. The decision to relocate the project was based on specific requirements that needed to be met for the project to progress.
Residents of Ido Osun had previously protested against the relocation plan, expressing their discontent with the government’s explanation that the current site was inadequate due to encroachments and structures hindering the project. The protesters demanded a halt to the relocation.
Oriowo elaborated on why the airport project was shifted to Akoda in Ede, citing limitations of the current site such as insufficient space to accommodate an airport. He shared insights from the committee’s assessment, highlighting issues like runway dimensions, safety areas, culvert lengths, and building placements that did not align with aviation standards.
Emphasizing the necessity of relocating the project to meet aviation requirements, Oriowo stated that Akoda in Ede was chosen after evaluating various locations that met all necessary conditions.