The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has ordered an investigation into the altercation involving Air Peace airline and former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning at the Zulu terminal of the airport’s domestic wing, sparked outrage after Oshiomhole was accused of obstructing access to the terminal following a missed flight.
Sources at the airport said the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) allegedly delayed other passengers from boarding an Air Peace flight, prompting a standoff that drew the attention of airport security personnel and airline staff.
Air Peace claimed the lawmaker became agitated after being informed that his scheduled 6:30 a.m. flight had already departed. The airline accused him of causing a disruption by allegedly blocking the boarding gate and halting operations.
However, Oshiomhole swiftly denied the allegation, countering that the airline had engaged in unethical practices. He alleged that Air Peace was extorting travelers by reselling tickets to last-minute buyers at inflated prices while sidelining passengers with valid bookings.
In a swift response to the escalating war of words, Minister Keyamo on Friday morning confirmed that he had directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to investigate the incident.
Taking to his verified X handle, the minister revealed he had been in direct contact with both parties since the incident broke.
“In the wake of the incident at the Lagos Airport last Wednesday involving AIR PEACE Airline and His Excellency, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, I have been in direct contact with both parties since that morning,” he wrote.
Keyamo also cautioned both parties against further public outbursts, noting the need for due process.
“I also directed the aviation agencies to exercise restraint in jumping to conclusions in line with the time-honoured legal principle of ‘hear all sides’ before reaching judgment,” he 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 conduct in similar situations.”
The minister’s intervention comes amid concerns over rising tensions between airline operators and high-profile passengers, with industry watchers calling for clearer passenger management protocols and improved transparency in flight operations.
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