Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State is now fighting a cold war with his successor, Governor Dapo Abiodun over the construction of airports in Wasimi and Ilishan-Remo, both in the state.
The governor is pushing for the construction of the proposed Gateway Agro Cargo Airport, Ilishan-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area.
While Amosun is also making a strong case for a passenger airport located at Wasimi, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.
The war between them became conspicuous when the Senate Committee on Aviation inspected the two proposed sites for airports in the state.
Amosun revealed while the Senate committee should give the passenger airport quick attention.
He said; “This is not the first time they will be coming here and I also want to appreciate the support of President Muhammadu Buhari because if not for his support, we wouldn’t have moved this project to this level.”
“For me, if it is possible for us to have 10 airports, that’s fine. By the grace of God, this airport will see the light of the day.”
However, the governor disclosed that his administration would continue with the plan to construct an agro-cargo airport in the state.
He said; “This administration is deliberate and methodical. The need to have a cargo airport was made by our joint inter-ministerial committee and we consequently evaluated the initiatives that were started by previous administrations because government is a continuum.”
“After a thorough evaluation, the choice of the airport cargo location in Ilishan was unanimous; it complements the agric/processing factories ecosystem in that corridor with access/egress road network.”
“We are completing this project that was conceptualised by a previous administration the same way we have completed other projects (like) roads, bridges, hospitals and schools that were started by the previous administration. Our decision is always based on the economic value and benefits to our people.”
“Comparatively, on the other proposed airport location, we did not find any details or information in any handover notes as it all seems to be shrouded in secrecy.”