Oshiomhole, Air Peace clash at Lagos airport over missed flight

Summary

• Senator Oshiomhole reportedly caused a disruption at the Lagos airport after missing his flight
• Air Peace accuses him of assault and terminal blockade, while he alleges unfair airline practices
• The incident has sparked public debate over airline policies, abuse of privilege, and passenger rights

Lagos, Nigeria — On June 11, 2025, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State and current senator representing Edo North, was at the center of a controversial disruption at the Zulu Terminal of the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The incident unfolded after the senator arrived late for a 6:30 AM Air Peace flight to Abuja and was denied boarding.

Eyewitnesses reported that Oshiomhole arrived at the terminal around 6:10 AM or later, after boarding had closed. Frustrated, he allegedly blocked the terminal entrance, preventing other passengers from accessing the departure hall.

The situation quickly escalated, with passengers stranded and delays ensuing as airport staff and management attempted to intervene.

In a strongly worded statement, Air Peace condemned what it described as “unruly conduct” by the senator and accused him of physically assaulting its staff and barricading the terminal entrance, an act which prompted the redirection of passengers to an alternate terminal to reduce the fallout.

The airline reiterated its strict on-time departure policy, stating that no individual, regardless of status, is exempt from its boarding procedures.

However, Oshiomhole has denied disrupting airport operations or assaulting anyone. He accused Air Peace of exploitative behavior, claiming that he and other passengers who had checked in online were denied boarding so the airline could resell tickets at inflated prices ranging from ₦200,000 to ₦300,000.

He said his intervention was on behalf of affected passengers, including a woman with an infant who was allegedly asked to pay an additional ₦109,100 for a new ticket after already spending ₦146,000 on the original.

Videos circulated on social media platform X,  appeared to show the senator in a heated exchange with airport officials and blocking the entrance, lending weight to claims of disruption.

Reports also confirmed that airport management held an emergency meeting to plead with him to allow operations to continue.

The incident has sparked a divided public reaction. While some criticized Oshiomhole for what they perceived as an abuse of privilege, others expressed concern over Air Peace’s practices and lack of transparency in ticketing and customer service.

Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore lambasted Oshiomhole, accusing him of theatrics and hypocrisy.

Though Oshiomhole’s accusations about unfair ticket sales remain unverified, the incident raises broader concerns about Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly in regard to airline accountability, transparency, and the balance between customer rights and operational discipline.

The clash also reignited conversations around the conduct of public officials and the perception of entitlement in public spaces.

As of now, Air Peace has not indicated whether legal action will follow, and the senator has not formally filed any complaint.