Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) has raised concerns over Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s alleged decision to relocate the MKO Abiola International Airport from its original site in Ido-Osun to his hometown of Ede.
In an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the council described this move as “undemocratic, unethical, and an affront to justice and equity,” calling on the President and stakeholders to intervene immediately.
The letter signed by President of the council, Aare Oladotun Hassan and Secretary, Bashorun Isaac Ajibola, highlighted the growing tension between the Ido-Osun and Ede communities, which share boundaries in Osun State. It accuses the governor of using executive power recklessly to rename the airport to “Isiaka Adeleke International Airport, Ede,” a decision the council views as a violation of democratic principles and a potential trigger for communal unrest.
The Yoruba Council urged prominent Yoruba leaders, royal fathers, civil society organizations, and other Nigerian stakeholders to support the Ido-Osun community in what it termed their “just and equitable” fight against marginalization. It warned that the governor’s actions could erode peace and unity in the state, citing evidence of provocation and suppression by Ede-based interests.
According to the letter, the MKO Abiola International Airport in Ido-Osun has historical significance, dating back to its establishment as a meteorological station in 1936. Successive governments have invested over N5 billion in its development, with the project nearing completion. The council stressed that relocating the airport to Ede would waste public funds and undermine years of efforts by previous administrations.
The council described the governor’s alleged plan as nepotistic, accusing him of prioritizing his hometown’s interests over the collective good of Osun State. It also criticized his advisors for enabling decisions that could be seen as fiscally irresponsible and detrimental to the state’s economic development.
The Ido-Osun community’s grievances extend beyond the airport relocation. The letter mentioned past incidents, such as attempts to annex parts of Ido-Osun to Ede and the forced eviction of local farmers. Despite these provocations, the Ido-Osun people have reportedly maintained peace, even under pressure.
With specific demands, the council urged the federal government to stop the proposed relocation and calling on the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and other stakeholders to boycott any foundation-laying ceremony for a new airport in Ede. It argued that the relocation would be not only unjust but also a betrayal of the trust placed in the governor by the people of Osun State.
The letter emphasized that the governor’s actions contradict the Omoluabi ethos—a Yoruba philosophy of good character, ethics, and integrity. The council warned that such governance risks undermining the democratic principles that uphold fairness, justice, and inclusivity in public administration.
The Yoruba Council therefore appealed to President Tinubu to intervene, urging him to ensure that Osun State’s federal allocation benefits all communities equally. The council warned that allowing the airport relocation to proceed could set a dangerous precedent and escalate tensions in the region.
