- The Osun APC alleged that Governor Adeleke concentrated major infrastructure projects in Ede and neglected other towns
- The party claimed the state ignored a Federal Government directive suspending relocation of the Osun airport project
- The governor’s spokesperson denied the accusations, insisting development was evenly distributed and due process was followed
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of concentrating developmental projects in his hometown of Ede and disregarding a Federal Government directive suspending the relocation of the Osun State International Airport project.
The allegations were, however, dismissed by the governor’s spokesperson, who insisted that infrastructure development under the current administration is evenly spread across the state.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo, the APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Mr 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 channelled a disproportionate share of projects to 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 APC claimed.
According to the opposition party, while several inner roads in Ede have been tarred, “no meaningful developmental project is noticeable in other towns and villages in Osun State under the administration of Governor Adeleke”.
The APC also questioned the silence of the Osun State House of Assembly, asking why lawmakers had allegedly failed to raise concerns over what it described as uneven development.
“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 party alleged that the state government ignored a directive from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace to suspend the relocation of the airport from Ido-Osun to Ede.
The APC referenced a letter dated 6 December 2024, signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, 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 party noted that the Federal Government is mandated to ensure the judicious use of funds to prevent wastage of resources and stressed that both tiers of government “must be in synch before the project takes off”.
The APC further challenged the governor to clarify whether the suspension directive had been lifted and to confirm or deny allegations that ₦10 billion had been allocated to continue work on the airport project.
“An answer to the query would help to douse the existing tension in the state in this regard,” Olabisi said.
In response, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the accusations, maintaining that infrastructure projects under the administration are inclusive and evenly distributed across major towns.
Rasheed described the claims as inaccurate, citing projects in Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Iwo, Ikirun, Ila and Osogbo as evidence of statewide development.
“The Obalufon of Ile Ife has just commended Governor Adeleke for the ₦14 billion flyover and dualisation projects at Ile Ife. Residents have acknowledged over 14 roads executed in the town,” Rasheed said.
He insisted that the governor does not discriminate in the execution of projects and remains committed to balanced development.
On the airport controversy, Rasheed stated that the administration is focused on 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 maintained that there has been no change to the status of the airstrip and that the state government would continue to pursue development in line with due process.