Keyamo orders probe into Oshiomhole, Air Peace clash
By Jeffrey Agbo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stepped into the ongoing dispute between Air Peace and former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, following a heated incident at Lagos Airport last Wednesday.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Keyamo confirmed he has been in contact with both parties and emphasised the need for a fair and impartial review of the situation.
“I have directed all aviation agencies to exercise restraint and adhere to the principle of hearing all sides before drawing conclusions,” the minister stated.
With tensions escalating and public exchanges between the parties becoming increasingly heated, Keyamo appealed for calm, urging both sides to avoid further accusations and counter-allegations.
READ MORE:
Air Peace flags Oshiomhole for disruptive behaviour at Lagos Airport
To address the matter formally, the minister ordered a full-scale investigation, directing the relevant aviation agencies to gather all available evidence and report directly to his office.
“This matter will be handled thoroughly and decisively. The outcome will help guide future conduct in similar situations,” he added.
The dispute stems from a confrontation involving Senator Oshiomhole and Air Peace officials, reportedly over alleged extortion and passenger mistreatment.
The situation intensified after Oshiomhole missed his flight, claiming it was due to racketeering by airline staff. According to the senator, not only was he affected, but up to 30 other passengers faced similar issues. He alleged that airline staff were demanding an additional N109,100 to reschedule affected passengers to a later 8:30 a.m. flight.
Air Peace, however, countered that Oshiomhole had arrived late at the airport. The senator refuted this, asserting that he witnessed airline staff allowing later-arriving passengers to board, prompting frustration among the affected travelers.
Oshiomhole said about 20 to 30 other passengers faced the same treatment, with airline staff demanding an additional N109,100 to reschedule them to an 8:30 am flight.
