Aviation Minister Orders Full Probe as Oshiomhole, Air Peace Lock Horns Over Lagos Airport Drama

Passengers watched in disbelief on Wednesday, June 5, 2025, as former Edo State governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, confronted Air Peace staff at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, Lagos, over what he described as “deliberate denial of boarding” despite completing online check-in. The drama escalated quickly, triggering a flurry of accusations from both parties that have now caught the attention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest domestic airline, accused Oshiomhole of aggressive conduct and disruption of their morning schedule. The airline claimed the senator stormed the boarding gate and disrupted operations after being denied entry due to late arrival at the final check-in counter, despite already checking in online. The airline maintained that its actions were in line with standard operating procedures and denied any wrongdoing.

Oshiomhole, however, came out swinging. In a strongly worded statement released Thursday, he dismissed Air Peace’s claims, alleging the airline was engaging in “corporate impunity,” extortion, and consistent disrespect for passengers. He said the airline “routinely engages in overselling tickets and punishing customers for its own incompetence,” vowing to expose what he called a “recurring scam.”

Keyamo, reacting swiftly on Friday, June 7, posted via his official X handle that he had been in direct contact with both parties since the incident. He expressed concern over the rising tension and the implications for public confidence in air transport. “I have spoken with Senator Oshiomhole and also reached out to Air Peace. This public back-and-forth must stop. I’ve now directed relevant aviation agencies to collect all available evidence and report back to my office.”

Sources at the airport confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have been instructed to begin immediate investigations. CCTV footage, passenger manifests, and gate check-in logs are expected to be reviewed over the weekend. A preliminary report is to be submitted to the Ministry by next week.

The face-off has sparked outrage and debate online, with many Nigerians calling for transparency and better treatment of passengers. Others accuse prominent figures like Oshiomhole of attempting to intimidate airline staff. This latest incident adds to the growing scrutiny of domestic airlines’ operations and customer service standards, especially following a series of flight delays and disputes in recent months.

Whether this confrontation leads to stronger passenger protection rules or exposes deeper systemic failures in Nigeria’s aviation sector, the public awaits Keyamo’s next move. For now, the drama between a powerful senator and the country’s biggest airline is more than a media buzz — it’s a reflection of growing frustration in Nigerian air travel.