The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tuesday, advised Governor Ademola Adeleke to suspend the foundation laying of the proposed airport at his hometown, Ede, Osun state, pending the resolution of the petition against the foundation.
A letter written to Governor Adeleke, dated December 6, and signed by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent in Osogbo, Tuesday, stated that the ministry has been briefed of the existing airport where funds have been expended.
Governor Adeleke had invited Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo SAN, to lay the foundation of the airport, relocated from Ido-Osun to Ede, on December 16, 2024.
The letter written to Governor Adeleke from the federal government reads: “I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. 5.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188 dated 21 November, 2024 on the above subject and to respectfully request Your Excellency to suspend the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State International Airport until the issues regarding the petitions over the existing airstrip/airport is resolved and to harmonise the state’s efforts with that of the federal government.
“Your Excellency may wish to note that the airstrip is a federal project that is captured in the ministry’s 2024 Appropriation. We also note that you have made arrangements to expand the airstrip to an international airport. In addition, there is a petition indicating there is an existing airstrip where funds have been expended and the need to use the site for the present airstrip instead of a new site.
“The federal government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds in order to curtail wastage of resources. As this airstrip project is a collaboration between state and federal government, it is important we are in synch before the project takes off.
“Accordingly, Your Excellency is respectfully requested to reschedule the foundation laying ceremony of the Osun State Airport pending the resolution of the petitions and selection of a mutually agreed date,” the letter added
