President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday officially commissioned the Gateway International Airport at Iperu, marking the inauguration of Ogun State’s first commercial aviation hub. The event, attended by senior federal and state officials, included the unveiling of two Bombardier CRJ 900 aircraft for Gateway Air a state‑initiated carrier operated in partnership with ValueJet.
The 4,000‑metre runway facility, positioned as an aerotropolis, is intended to complement Murtala Muhammed International Airport and serve as a logistics corridor for cargo and passenger traffic. In conjunction with the airport, the President commissioned supporting infrastructure: the Ilishan‑Iperu Airport Road, a demonstration of cargo operations, and the deployment of 1,000 electric bicycles, 80 security patrol vehicles and agricultural tractors.
The airport forms part of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s broader development programme. Over the past year the administration has commissioned the Iworo–Ogbogbo–Igbeba Road (5.2 km, Ijebu‑North‑East), Phase II of the Imashayi–Igan‑Okoto–Ayetoro Road (Yewa North), and the Lantoro–Oke‑Yidi–Isale Ake Road (Abeokuta South), among approximately 29 roads in Ogun Central. Additional projects include the Akute–Ajuwon–Alagbole Road (Ifo), the Wole Soyinka Train‑Station Road (Abeokuta), a 30 MW independent power plant at Obada‑Oko (pending commissioning) and urban‑renewal housing units at Ibara GRA, Abeokuta. Work continues on the Sagamu‑Interchange‑Papalanto‑Opele highway and multiple rural‑road upgrades.
Political observers note that Governor Abiodun is being positioned for a senatorial bid in 2027. Leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Remo and Ijebu‑East have endorsed him for the Ogun East seat; he has not yet filed a declaration, but party consultations are underway.
The Governor’s tenure has attracted criticism. Allegations include discrepancies in academic qualifications declared to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the demolition of properties owned by former Governor Gbenga Daniel described by opponents as politically motivated and unsubstantiated claims of a 1980s fraud arrest in the United States. Further accusations relate to local‑government finance management and diversion of relief materials.
The Governor denies wrongdoing; several matters remain before the courts or are disputed by his supporters.
