Federal Govt orders probe into Air Peace, Oshiomhole airport dispute
Federal Govt orders probe into Air Peace, Oshiomhole airport dispute
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed aviation agencies to investigate the recent altercation between Air Peace and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, over a disrupted flight incident.
In a statement shared on X, on Friday, Keyamo instructed the relevant aviation bodies to compile all facts and evidence related to the incident and submit a comprehensive report to his office.
The controversy erupted after Air Peace accused Senator Oshiomhole of causing a disturbance at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 in Lagos following a missed flight.
Videos circulating on social media showed the lawmaker confronting airline staff and sitting in protest at the entrance of the Zulu Hall gate.
Oshiomhole, in his defence, denied causing any disruption.
He claimed his actions were in protest against what he described as extortion and arbitrary changes in airline policies, alleging that passengers who had already checked in online were asked to pay additional fees before boarding.
Air Peace swiftly refuted the senator’s claims, describing them as “deliberate falsehood.”
The airline maintained that no additional payments were demanded after the official closure of check-in procedures.
Keyamo, who revealed he has been in direct communication with both parties since the incident occurred, called for calm and urged restraint in public statements while the investigation is ongoing.
“In the wake of the incident at the Lagos Airport last Wednesday involving AIRPEACE Airline and His Excellency, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, I have been in direct contact with both parties since that morning,” Keyamo said.
“Whilst appealing to both sides to halt the public accusations and counter-accusations, 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.”
The minister also urged the aviation agencies to avoid rushing to conclusions, noting the importance of adhering to the long-standing legal principle of listening to all parties before reaching a judgement.
