The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has ordered an official investigation into the altercation between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Air Peace Airline at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport.
In a statement issued on X (formerly Twitter), Keyamo confirmed that he has been in direct communication with both parties since the incident occurred on Wednesday, June 11, and has directed aviation agencies to maintain neutrality and avoid premature conclusions.
“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. 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,” the minister said.
Keyamo urged all involved to suspend public accusations and counter-accusations while assuring that the matter would be thoroughly reviewed. “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,” he added.
The dispute began when Senator Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, reportedly missed a scheduled Air Peace flight (P47120) and allegedly confronted airline staff. According to Air Peace, the senator arrived at Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) at approximately 6:10 a.m., after boarding had closed.
The airline accused Oshiomhole of obstructing terminal access, claiming he physically blocked the entry gate and prevented other passengers from entering. “He went as far as sealing the entry gate and manning the access point, effectively obstructing other passengers from gaining entry into the terminal,” the airline said in a statement.
Air Peace said the disruption forced it to activate contingency plans and relocate affected passengers to another terminal to avoid further delays. The airline condemned the senator’s actions as “unruly” and “unacceptable,” reiterating its policy of zero tolerance for violence or aggression against its personnel.
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