By Deborah Nnamdi
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stepped in to mediate the dispute between Air Peace and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, following a confrontation at Lagos Airport last Wednesday.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Friday, Keyamo revealed that he has been in direct communication with both parties since the incident and has directed aviation authorities to avoid drawing premature conclusions.
“I have directed all aviation agencies to exercise restraint and adhere to the principle of hearing all sides before drawing conclusions,” the minister said.
Amid escalating public statements from both sides, Keyamo called for restraint and urged the parties to stop trading accusations.
He also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, instructing the appropriate agencies to gather all relevant evidence and submit their findings to his office.
He added, “This matter will be handled thoroughly and decisively. The outcome will help guide future conduct in similar situations.”
It will be recalled that Senator Oshiomhole and officials of Air Peace were involved in a dispute over allegations of passenger extortion.
The conflict intensified after the senator reportedly missed a flight, which he attributed to alleged racketeering by airline staff.
While Air Peace maintained that Oshiomhole arrived late at the airport, the senator countered that he—and several other frustrated passengers—witnessed airline staff prioritizing travelers who arrived after them.
Oshiomhole claimed that 20 to 30 passengers experienced similar treatment, alleging that staff demanded an extra N109,100 to reschedule them on an 8:30 a.m. flight.
