A protest erupted in Ido-Osun, Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State, on Tuesday, as residents condemned Governor Ademola Adeleke’s decision to relocate the M.K.O Abiola Airport project to his hometown, Ede.

The demonstrators accused the governor of nepotism and called for federal intervention to halt the move.

The protest followed an announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, that the foundation for a new airport in Ede would be laid during Adeleke’s second-anniversary celebrations.

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Ministers of Works and Aviation, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo, are expected to attend the event.

Protesters, led by the Eesa of Ido-Osun, Chief Oyewale Basiru, and former Osun State Assembly lawmaker Abiodun Awolola, gathered at the palace carrying placards with messages such as “Is Adeleke governor of Ede or Osun State?” and “We say no to favouritism.”

Awolola, speaking on behalf of the community, condemned the relocation, describing it as nepotistic and a betrayal of public trust.

“Removing the airport from its original location to Adeleke’s hometown will amount to nepotism and favoritism, which contradicts the democratic oath he swore as governor,” Awolola said.

He emphasized that over ₦20 billion had already been spent on the project by previous administrations.

“Adeleke made a promise to our late king to complete the project, but the reverse is now the case. This decision is unacceptable and unjust, as it undermines the rights and interests of the people of Ido-Osun.”

The community has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and halt the relocation, appealing to the federal government to prevent the planned foundation-laying ceremony in Ede.

Awolola warned of potential tensions between the Ido-Osun and Ede communities, which share a boundary.

“We urge the Osun State Government to reconsider this decision and maintain the original plan. Relocating the airport could lead to communal clashes. We have sufficient land for the airport here in Ido-Osun,” he added.

Government officials reportedly cited land encroachment as a reason for relocating the airport.

However, the protesters dismissed this claim, insisting that the project site in Ido-Osun remains viable.

“Citing encroachment lacks logic because the institution in question encroached on the land long before the airport plans began,” Awolola said.

The decision has sparked widespread criticism, with residents accusing the Adeleke administration of prioritizing personal interests over state development.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially requested the Senate to confirm Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

The request, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday, seeks to elevate Oluyede from his current role as acting COAS.

Oluyede assumed the acting position on October 30 following the illness of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5.

In his letter to the Senate, Tinubu emphasized Oluyede’s qualifications for the role, citing his leadership abilities and extensive military experience.

“Lt. Gen. Oluyede’s extensive military experience, professional integrity, and significant contributions to national security make him well-suited to lead the Nigerian Army during these critical times,” the president stated.

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The letter also referenced Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act as the legal basis for the request.

Senate Committee to Review Nomination

The Senate referred the president’s request to its Committee on Army for screening. The committee is expected to present its report to the Senate as soon as possible for further action.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga previously announced the submission of Tinubu’s nomination letter last week.

He reiterated the president’s confidence in Oluyede’s ability to lead, saying, “President Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Lt. General Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.”

A Distinguished Military Career

Before his acting appointment, Oluyede was the Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna State.

His military career began in 1987, and he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992. In September 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Major General.

Over the years, Oluyede has held several command and staff roles, including Platoon Commander, Company Commander, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

He also served in various operations, such as the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.

Recognized for Excellence

Oluyede’s contributions to the military have earned him numerous honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.

He is also a member of the National Institute and has received awards such as the Field Command Medal and the Field Training Medal.

After seven years of tension and protests, the dispute over OML 25, a vital oil flow station in Kula Kingdom, Rivers State, may be nearing resolution.

Stakeholders, including the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Belema Oil, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), host community leaders, and government officials, convened in Port Harcourt for a decisive meeting aimed at finalizing plans to reopen the facility, which has been shut since 2017.

OML 25, with a production capacity of approximately 45,000 barrels of oil per day, was closed following mass protests by youths and women from Offoiama, Ngeji, Belema, and Kula communities.

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The protesters accused the SPDC of neglecting the region, citing a lack of basic amenities and employment opportunities despite over 50 years of oil exploration in the area.

In 2019, the Federal Government brokered an eight-point agreement to address the grievances.

Key provisions included the allocation of 7% equity shares to Belema Oil and assurances of employment opportunities for the youth.

However, SPDC cited security concerns, which delayed the implementation of the agreement and kept the facility closed.

During the recent meeting, stakeholders revisited the 2019 agreement, focusing on unresolved issues and discussing strategies for resuming operations.

The gathering included notable figures such as the Paramount Ruler of the Sara-Igbe Dynasty, Anabs Sara-Igbe, alongside representatives from regulatory bodies and Rivers State government officials.

While community leaders voiced apprehensions about SPDC’s planned divestment from the facility, youth representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the exclusion of community remediation efforts in the original agreement.

These unresolved issues remain a key point of negotiation.

Efforts to obtain comments from SPDC and government representatives on the timeline for reopening OML 25 proved unsuccessful as both parties declined interviews.

Despite the challenges, the reopening of OML 25 is anticipated to significantly boost Nigeria’s daily oil production, currently estimated at 1.8 million barrels.

For the host communities, the meeting rekindles hope for a resolution to the protracted dispute and the establishment of a fairer and more beneficial relationship with SPDC.