Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has defended his administration’s decision to site a proposed airport project in Ede, saying the choice was based on technical considerations rather than political interests.
Adeleke spoke on Tuesday during the Arise News Osun Governorship Town Hall in Osogbo, where he responded to criticisms surrounding the proposed airport and allegations that his administration had favoured his hometown in the distribution of government projects.
The governor explained that the facility previously described as an airport in the state was no longer operational, noting that it had been handed over to the Nigerian Air Force by a previous administration for use as a training ground.
According to Adeleke, his administration did not simply choose Ede for the proposed airport project. He said experts were engaged to assess possible locations and determine the most suitable site based on technical requirements.
He said many areas and other locations were considered during the assessment before Ede was eventually recommended.
Adeleke stressed that the decision was therefore not driven by his being from Ede, but by the recommendations of professionals who assessed the various locations.
Addressing the broader criticism of “Edenisation” of the state, the governor said his hometown should not be denied development simply because he hails from the area.
“I am not a pastor; I am a politician, and I will ensure that my town also benefits from government projects,” Adeleke said.
He, however, maintained that his administration had not neglected other parts of Osun State, pointing to projects executed across different communities.
On the airport project specifically, Adeleke said the proposed facility was part of his administration’s broader development agenda and should be assessed on its potential benefits to the state rather than the governor’s place of origin.
He urged residents to judge his administration based on its projects and achievements, rather than political criticisms, as the state prepares for the August 15 governorship election.