The Federal Government, yesterday, urged Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to suspend the flag-off of the state airport project scheduled for Monday, following unresolved issues over its relocation from Ido-Osun.

Governor Adeleke had approved the relocation of the airport project from Ido-Osun, Egbedore local government area of the state to Akoda, in Ede, his home town citing technical issues

However, in a letter by the Ministry of Aviation, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole with reference number FMA/ADD/402/S.3/6.4/Vol,I/56 and addressed to the governor, the foundation laying ceremony of the airport is put on hold pending the determination of petition on the existing airstrip in the state.

The letter is in response to the governor’s letter referenced No. 5.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188.

The need for proper understanding between the Federal and State Governments before proceeding with the project to avoid waste of scarce resources was emphasised.

The letter reads: “I wish to refer to your letter Ref. No. 5.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188 dated November 21, 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 harmonize 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 to curtail wastage of resources. As this Airstrip Project is a collaboration between the State and Federal Governments, we must be 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.”