The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed relevant aviation agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into a dispute involving former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Air Peace airline at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport.
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The incident, which occurred last Wednesday, has sparked widespread debate about passenger conduct and airline operations, prompting calls for restraint from all parties involved while investigations proceed.
Keyamo announced on his social media platform that he has been in direct contact with both Oshiomhole and Air Peace representatives since the morning of the incident. The minister noted the importance of hearing all sides before reaching any conclusions, directing aviation agencies to avoid premature judgments.
“I am further directing the relevant aviation agencies to thoroughly look into the issue, collect all available evidence and revert to my office so we can deal with the issue in such a way as to guide future conducts in similar situations,” Keyamo stated, while appealing to both parties to cease public accusations and counter-accusations.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has strongly condemned Oshiomhole’s conduct during the incident, describing it as unacceptable and representative of growing unruly passenger behaviour affecting domestic carriers. Speaking to newsmen in Lagos during a United Nigeria Airlines event announcing its integration into the SIBAS Global Distribution System, AON spokesperson Professor Obiora Okonkwo expressed dismay over the situation.
“There is no amount of disappointment that gives the right to self-help,” Okonkwo declared. “We have been talking about unruly behaviour; what you saw was a typical case of unruly behaviour. It is not acceptable.”
The AON spokesperson defended Air Peace, noting that the airline carries 40 to 50 percent of domestic passengers and deserves respect as a significant investment in Nigeria’s aviation sector. He argued that passengers’ rights are limited to what is permissible under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations and aviation industry standards.
Okonkwo also criticised the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for failing to provide clarity about the incident two days after it occurred, expressing sadness over the lack of official explanation about what transpired.
The AON representative dismissed the logic behind Oshiomhole’s complaints, asserting that no airline would deliberately refuse to carry passengers and stressed the lengths operators go to satisfy customers despite numerous operational challenges.
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