“I Refused VIP Treatment”: Oshiomhole Accuses Air Peace of Extorting Passengers Over Flight Delay

“I Refused VIP Treatment”: Oshiomhole Accuses Air Peace of Extorting Passengers Over Flight Delay

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has denied claims that he disrupted flight operations at the Lagos airport, saying his actions were a stand against what he described as “extortion” and unfair treatment by Air Peace.

The Senator, who represents Edo North, clarified that he did not cause any disruption but rather protested the airline’s alleged practice of shutting out passengers under false pretenses and then demanding hefty surcharges for boarding alternative flights.

According to Oshiomhole, the airline intentionally categorized him and other travelers as “late arrivals” and refused to let them board. However, he said that after the check-in counter was closed, staff began collecting extra money from selected passengers to “smuggle” them onboard.

He alleged that passengers were being asked to pay an additional ₦109,900 on top of an initial ₦149,600 ticket to be moved to a later flight scheduled for 8:30 a.m.

Despite being offered a backdoor entry by a senior airline manager due to his status, Oshiomhole rejected the offer.

“Now, as I said, I go to the airport, I have my checking in, they denied me. Then when somebody now went inside and said, ah it’s Oshiomhole, then the senior manager came out and said, ‘Oga’, let’s see how I can sort you out.

“I said I don’t want personal favours. I want my right and the right of these Nigerian to be enforced…”

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The former governor and ex-NLC President said he could not in good conscience accept preferential treatment while others without influence were being unfairly treated.

“I don’t want personalised solution. I want a general system solution. So don’t do me any favour. Don’t extend any courtesy to me…”

Oshiomhole emphasized that Nigeria’s core problem is that elites often accept personal solutions instead of demanding systemic change. He warned that tolerating small injustices encourages larger societal breakdowns.

“My philosophy is this, if you avoid a small fight, you will walk your way to war. So, I’d rather fight a small battle than to have the country consumed by war.”