Airline Operators Slam Oshiomhole Over Airport Conduct, Demand Investigation

Last updated: Jun 13, 2025. 3:40 pm

By Praise Ben

3 Min Read

Airline Operators Slam Oshiomhole Over Airport Conduct.
Air Peace defended by Airline Operators of Nigeria over flight-related dispute.
Aviation Minister Keyamo orders full investigation, urges public restraint.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has strongly condemned what it described as unruly conduct by former Edo State governor and serving senator, Adams Oshiomhole, during a recent encounter at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking on behalf of the group, AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo expressed disappointment that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had yet to issue a formal statement two days after the incident.

Okonkwo made the remarks in Lagos on Friday during an event marking United Nigeria Airlines’ integration into the SIBAS Global Distribution System (GDS). He criticised Oshiomhole’s behaviour and defended Air Peace, the domestic carrier involved in the incident.

“As much as we appreciate that every passenger has rights, those rights are subject to the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and global aviation standards,” Okonkwo said. “No level of disappointment justifies self-help. What happened was clearly a case of unruly passenger behaviour.”

Okonkwo noted that Air Peace accounts for up to 50 per cent of domestic passenger traffic and deserved respect for its role in Nigeria’s aviation sector. He accused Oshiomhole of making baseless claims and attempting to damage the airline’s reputation.

“It’s not fair to demonise an airline based on one incident. No airline benefits from leaving its passengers behind,” he added.

Meanwhile, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. In a post on his official X account, Keyamo confirmed that he had contacted both parties and urged restraint.

“I have asked aviation agencies to avoid premature conclusions and ensure all sides are heard,” he wrote. “A full report will be submitted to my office to help establish clear guidelines for future incidents.”

Keyamo also advised against further public statements until investigations are concluded.