The demonstration, led by prominent community leaders including the Eesa of Ido-Osun, Chief Oyewale Basiru, and former Osun Assembly lawmaker Abiodun Awolola, was marked by placards with inscriptions such as:

• “Is Adeleke governor of Ede or Osun State?”
• “We say no to favouritism.”
• “Give us back our airport.”

Awolola condemned the governor’s move, describing it as “nepotism and favouritism” that goes against democratic principles. He further noted that previous administrations had already invested over ₦20 billion into the project at its original location in Ido-Osun.

The uproar follows an announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, which listed the foundation-laying ceremony for a new airport in Ede as part of activities marking Adeleke’s second anniversary in office. Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo, are slated to attend the event.

Critics argue that relocating the airport undermines the interests of the Ido-Osun community and violates promises made by Governor Adeleke to their late king.

The protesters called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt the governor’s plans. They urged the Federal Government to prevent its ministers from attending the proposed foundation-laying ceremony in Ede.

Awolola warned that the decision could lead to communal clashes between Ido-Osun and Ede, which are neighbouring communities. “The government decision is unacceptable and unjust, as it undermines the rights and interests of the people of Ido-Osun,” he stated.

The Ido-Osun community appealed to the Osun State Government to maintain the airport’s original location and complete the ongoing project, emphasizing the potential for conflict if the decision is not reversed.