Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stepped in to mediate the growing dispute between Air Peace and former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, following a heated incident at Lagos Airport on Wednesday.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Keyamo revealed that he has been in direct communication with both parties since the incident. He also instructed all aviation agencies to avoid making premature judgments and to ensure due process is followed.
“I have directed all aviation agencies to exercise restraint and adhere to the principle of hearing all sides before drawing conclusions,” he stated.
As tensions escalated between Air Peace and Oshiomhole, with both parties trading public accusations, the minister called for calm and urged both sides to cease further inflammatory statements.
Keyamo has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Relevant aviation agencies have been directed to gather all evidence—both written and recorded—and submit a detailed report to his office.
“This matter will be handled thoroughly and decisively,” he said. “The outcome will help guide future conduct in similar situations.”
The controversy began when Senator Oshiomhole alleged that he missed his flight due to corrupt practices by airline officials. According to him, several passengers, including himself, were denied boarding unless they paid an additional ₦109,100 to be rescheduled for a later flight.
Oshiomhole claimed that even passengers who arrived after him were cleared to board, raising suspicions of racketeering. In contrast, Air Peace argued that the senator arrived late, after the flight had already been closed.
The incident has since sparked widespread debate about passenger rights and the integrity of airline operations in Nigeria.
