The Minister further urged all stakeholders to refrain from public altercations. “Stop the accusations and counter-accusations. Allow the regulatory bodies to carry out their investigations without interference,”

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has ordered a thorough investigation into the clash between Air Peace and Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

The incident, which occurred at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal (MMA2) in Lagos on Wednesday, June 11, triggered disruptions at the Zulu wing of the domestic terminal. Eyewitnesses and airline staff claimed the former Edo State Governor, frustrated after missing his scheduled flight, blocked access to the check-in area and disrupted passenger flow.

Air Peace officials said Oshiomhole arrived at 6:10 a.m. for a 6:30 a.m. flight to Abuja, by which time boarding had closed. The airline, citing standard operating procedure, denied him access. The senator allegedly climbed onto a conveyor belt, preventing other passengers from boarding their scheduled flights, according to Air Peace’s official account.

However, Senator Oshiomhole refuted those claims, accusing Air Peace of unethical practices. He alleged the airline extorted passengers by reselling seats already paid for and denied rightful ticket holders entry onto the flight.

The growing controversy compelled the aviation minister to intervene. While the incident gained traction on social media and mainstream news platforms, Keyamo called for calm and due process.

In a Friday morning statement via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Mr. Keyamo confirmed he had spoken directly with both parties. He announced that aviation agencies had been mandated to gather evidence and report back to his office.

He emphasized the need for professionalism. “Aviation agencies must hear all sides before arriving at any conclusion,” Keyamo said. “This is essential to uphold integrity and fairness in our sector.”

The Minister further urged all stakeholders to refrain from public altercations. “Stop the accusations and counter-accusations. Allow the regulatory bodies to carry out their investigations without interference,” he said.

The two primary agencies expected to take the lead in this investigation are the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Both bodies are empowered to handle airline conduct, passenger behavior, and terminal operations.

Experts say this investigation will serve as a litmus test for the Nigerian aviation sector. The need for transparency and regulation enforcement has never been more critical, especially amid increasing incidents involving influential individuals.

Aviation stakeholders are watching closely, especially in light of the industry’s long-standing unruly passenger conduct warning. This warning, repeatedly issued by the NCAA and airline operators, cautions that any disruption to safety and scheduled procedures can have serious consequences.

Passengers are expected to adhere to airline regulations, which include early arrival and respecting boarding deadlines. Despite status or political affiliation, every traveler must comply with Nig. Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs Part 17), which defines and penalizes disruptive behavior.

The public has called for CCTV footage of the incident to be released to clarify conflicting accounts. Industry players, including members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have urged the government to use this case to reinforce the importance of safety over sentiment.

As of now, no penalties have been announced, and no official findings have been made public. However, Mr. Keyamo’s call for restraint and detailed inquiry is seen as a necessary first step toward a fair resolution.

This event has reignited national discussions about accountability and discipline in air travel. Should high-profile individuals be given leniency, or should the same rules apply to all?

While the minister’s intervention aims to ensure balance, the aviation community believes unbiased enforcement will determine the credibility of Nigeria’s aviation governance.

With the probe underway, all eyes remain on how FAAN and NCAA will respond to this high-profile test of authority. In the meantime, airline workers, passengers, and regulatory officials alike await clear direction—one that respects aviation law and reinforces Nigeria’s stance on its ongoing unruly passenger conduct warning.