Airline Operators in Nigeria have spoken out strongly against what they described as inappropriate behaviour by Senator Adams Oshiomhole at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The former governor of Edo State was accused of acting in an unruly manner during a recent altercation with Air Peace staff, leading to rising concern within the aviation industry.
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, who serves as the spokesperson for the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), told journalists on Friday that the incident reflects a growing pattern of disrespectful conduct by some airline passengers. He expressed disappointment that the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had not released an official report or provided clarity on the matter even two days after it happened.
Okonkwo made these remarks at an event where United Nigeria Airlines introduced its integration into the SIBAS Global Distribution System (GDS). He noted that while passengers are entitled to their rights, those rights do not include aggressive or disorderly actions toward airline staff or property.
“As much as we appreciate and understand that every passenger has a right, your right is only limited to what is allowed within the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, and aviation industry,” he said. “There is no amount of disappointment that gives the right to self-help.”
Okonkwo further pointed out that Air Peace, the airline involved in the dispute, carries nearly half of all domestic passengers in Nigeria and should be treated with a level of respect that reflects its role in the country’s aviation sector. He added that investing in airline operations is challenging, and those who make such investments should not be publicly ridiculed without reason.
He also noted that based on what Oshiomhole has said about the incident, AON members found little merit in his claims. “There is no airline who will not want to carry its passengers,” Okonkwo stated. “We go through a lot and bend ourselves to satisfy our passengers.”
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also addressed the issue through his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He confirmed he has spoken with both parties involved and has ordered an official investigation into the matter.
“In the wake of the incident at the Lagos Airport last Wednesday involving Air Peace airline and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, I have been in direct contact with both parties since that morning,” he wrote. “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 added that relevant aviation bodies have been instructed to gather all necessary evidence and submit their findings to his office. Keyamo urged both sides to stop making public accusations and allow the proper channels to resolve the situation fairly.
