Owais Crawford
Osun State is currently in the process of building an international airport, named the MKO Abiola International Airport, which will serve human and cargo transportation. The airport was initially planned to be located in Ido-Osun but has since been relocated to Ede, Governor Ademola Adeleke's hometown. This decision has sparked controversy and tension in the state, with locals from the Ido community protesting the relocation. The Ido-Osun site was deemed inadequate due to its failure to meet basic aviation requirements, including a runway length of only 1.67km, which is far below the required standard of 4.8km for a standard airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Ido Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Airport |
| Other Names | Ido-Osun Airport, Abiola International Airport |
| Runway Length | 3000m |
| Status | Under Construction |
| Original Opening Date | May 2014 |
| Current Governor's Plans | To revive and complete the project |
| Previous Governor's Plans | To complete the project by 2018 |
| Cost | NGN15.5 billion (USD77.8 million) |
| Relocation Controversy | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- The MKO Abiola International Airport project in Osun State
- The proposed airport's location change from Ido-Osun to Ede
- The Ido-Osun site's failure to meet basic aviation requirements
- The need for an airport in Osun State is questioned
- The MKO Abiola International Airport's potential impact on the local community
The MKO Abiola International Airport project in Osun State
The airport has faced several challenges and controversies over the years. One of the main issues has been the location of the airport. The Ido-Osun community has expressed strong opposition to the relocation of the airport from Ido-Osun to Ede, the hometown of Governor Ademola Adeleke. The community has accused the Osun State Government of favouritism and nepotism, arguing that the relocation goes against the governor's oath of democracy. They have also raised concerns about the renaming of the airport, the installation of a Baalè in their town, and the use of force to remove farmers from their land.
In response to the community's protests, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development suspended the foundation-laying ceremony for the Osun State International Airport in December 2024. The ministry raised concerns about the potential duplication and wastage of resources associated with the relocation.
There have also been technical challenges with the airport's construction. A technical review found that the existing runway at Ido-Osun was only 1.67km long, far below the required standard of 4.8km for a standard airport. Additionally, key facilities such as the terminal building and control tower were improperly located.
Despite these challenges, Governor Adeleke has expressed his determination to complete the airport project. He has described the project as part of a broader ambitious governance agenda for the state, which includes upgrading schools, health centres, and agricultural infrastructure. The governor has also commended the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation for their support in developing the aviation sector in Osun State.
The first phase of the airport's construction is being carried out by All Works of Life (AWOL) International Limited, in coordination with the Turkish company Biray Group. The Osun State Government expects to take permanent ownership of the airport once the construction is complete.
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The proposed airport's location change from Ido-Osun to Ede
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed his determination to complete the Osun Airport project, which has been ongoing for almost 12 years. The project is aimed at ensuring that Osun is no longer the only state in the South West without an airport.
The proposed airport, now upgraded to include a cargo terminal and a free trade zone, was initially planned to be built in Ido-Osun. However, the Osun State government has decided to relocate the airport project to Ede, the governor's hometown. This decision has sparked tension and controversy in the state, with locals of the Ido community protesting the relocation plan.
The 20-man committee, headed by Isiaka Adetunji, has stated that technical and safety considerations prompted the decision to relocate the airport. A technical review revealed that the existing runway at Ido-Osun, constructed during Rauf Aregbesola's tenure, is only 1.67km long, far below the required 4.8km for a standard airport. Additionally, key facilities such as the terminal building and control tower were deemed improperly located, and the site lacked sufficient land for proper RESA compliance. The new site in Ede, with a total area of 1,922.111 hectares, allows for the construction of a 5.6-kilometre runway that meets international standards.
The committee has dismissed allegations of nepotism in the decision, insisting that the relocation is necessary to comply with international aviation standards and address technical inadequacies at the original site. They have emphasized their commitment to adhering to aviation standards and ensuring that the project meets all the required conditions.
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The Ido-Osun site's failure to meet basic aviation requirements
The Ido-Osun airport site has failed to meet basic aviation requirements, leading to the proposed relocation of the Osun State airport project. The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has identified 11 basic needs that must be met for a successful airport, and the Ido-Osun site falls short of these standards.
One of the main issues is the length of the runway. The existing runway at Ido-Osun is only 1.67km long, far below the required standard of 4.8km for a typical airport. In addition, key facilities such as the terminal building and control tower are improperly located. The report also noted that the runway would need to be extended by a minimum of 750 meters, which would require the displacement of nearby settlements and the demolition of the Adeleke Secondary School.
The Ido-Osun site also does not meet the requirement for a large expanse of land, with a minimum distance of 7km between the airstrip and the airport. The presence of community settlements, buildings, and uncompleted structures for the Free Trade Zone further complicates the matter. Aviation industry experts have argued that constructing an airport at Ido-Osun would only add to the number of unviable airports in the country, causing unnecessary strain on the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.
The decision to relocate the airport has sparked tension and controversy in the state, with locals from the Ido community protesting the move and accusing the Osun State Government of favouritism. The Ido-Osun community has expressed their dissatisfaction and disappointment, vowing to advocate for their rights and interests. The Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has suspended the foundation-laying ceremony for the Osun State International Airport, citing concerns about resource duplication and wastage.
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The need for an airport in Osun State is questioned
The need for an airport in Osun State, Nigeria, has been questioned by aviation industry experts and locals. Currently, there is no airport in Osun State, and the state government's plans to build one have been mired in controversy. The proposed MKO Abiola International Airport at Ido Osun, Ede North/Egbedore Local Government Areas was intended to serve both human and cargo transportation. However, the site faced significant obstacles due to its failure to meet basic aviation requirements.
The runway at Ido Osun, constructed during Rauf Aregbesola's tenure, was only 1.67km long, far below the required 4.8km for a standard airport. Additionally, key facilities such as the terminal building, control tower, and fire and rescue buildings were deemed improperly located. The committee responsible for the project's actualisation also noted that constructing the airport at this site would require the relocation of a secondary school and the displacement of nearby settlements.
As a result of these challenges, the state government considered relocating the airport project to Ede, Governor Ademola Adeleke's hometown. This decision sparked tension and renewed an age-long rivalry between the locals of Ido and Ede communities. While the technical and safety considerations prompted the decision, locals of Ido Osun voiced their opposition through peaceful protests. The controversy surrounding the airport's location has led to questions about the need for an airport in Osun State at all. Industry expert John Ojukutu advised governors to repair roads to the nearest airports in their states instead of wasting public funds on unnecessary airports.
The controversy and relocation of the Osun State airport project have highlighted the challenges and considerations faced when developing infrastructure projects. While the state government prioritises an airport for improved transportation, experts and locals question the viability and potential impact on the community. The debate continues as the state weighs the benefits of an airport against alternative options for improving transportation and connectivity.
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The MKO Abiola International Airport's potential impact on the local community
The MKO Abiola International Airport, also known as the Ido-Osun Airport, has been a long time coming for Osun State. The airport project, which has been ongoing for almost 12 years, is set to have a positive impact on the local community.
Firstly, the airport will provide much-needed infrastructure for the state, enabling easier travel and transportation of goods. Currently, Osun State is the only state in the South West without an airport, which has likely impeded its economic growth. The airport will also create jobs for locals and stimulate the local economy through the adoption of a local content policy.
Secondly, the airport will bring social benefits to the community. Governor Ademola Adeleke has stated that the airport is part of a broader vision for the state, which includes upgrading schools and health centers and reviving agriculture. The airport will also include a cargo terminal, which will facilitate trade and commerce.
However, the airport's development has not been without controversy. There has been tension and protests from locals due to the decision to relocate the airport from Ido-Osun to Ede, the hometown of Governor Adeleke. Locals have accused the government of favoritism and expressed concerns about the renaming of the airport, the displacement of settlements, and the use of force to remove farmers from their land.
Despite these challenges, the airport is expected to have a positive impact on the local community, bringing much-needed development and opportunities to the area. The technical review committee has also ensured that the airport meets all the necessary safety and functionality requirements, including a longer runway and properly located facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
There is currently no airport in Osun State. However, there is an ongoing project to build an international airport at Ido Osun, Ede North/Egbedore Local Government Areas.
The initial site of the airport in Ido-Osun was deemed controversial due to its failure to meet basic aviation requirements, particularly in terms of runway length and the location of key facilities. The proposed relocation of the airport project to Ede, Governor Ademola Adeleke's hometown, has sparked tension and renewed age-long rivalries between the Ido and Ede communities.
The airport is intended to serve both human and cargo transportation, enhancing connectivity and accessibility to and from Osun State. It may also contribute to economic development and job creation in the region.
