Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) has finally addressed the controversy surrounding a recent incident at the boarding gate of Air Peace in Lagos, clarifying his role and denying allegations of disrupting flight operations.
Speaking to journalists, the former Edo State governor refuted claims made by the airline, insisting that he only stood up against what he described as extortionist practices affecting ordinary Nigerians.
“I did not disrupt Air Peace flight operations,” Oshiomhole said. “What I did was speak out on behalf of Nigerians who were being extorted due to a sudden and deliberate change in the time for closing the check-in counter.”
According to the senator, Air Peace staff allegedly classified him and several other passengers as late arrivals in order to justify denying them boarding access. However, he claimed that some of these so-called late passengers were quietly allowed onto the aircraft after allegedly paying extra fees.
Oshiomhole revealed that passengers who had already purchased tickets for N149,600 were being surcharged an additional N109,900 to be moved to a later flight scheduled for 8:30am.
“This is unacceptable,” he said, describing the act as an unjust burden on travelers.
He further alleged that an Air Peace manager attempted to “sort” him by offering special access due to his status as a senator.
“I refused to be ‘sorted’ by an Air Peace manager who came to meet me at the counter and offered to let me board through the backdoor just because I am a senator,” Oshiomhole stated.
The senator’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of airline practices in Nigeria, especially regarding flight delays, pricing irregularities, and customer service concerns.
