“This was simply extortion,” Oshiomhole said. “You can’t deny people boarding and then begin to selectively allow in those who are willing to pay extra, unofficial charges. That is not how a system should work.”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has addressed the controversy surrounding his encounter at the Lagos airport, where he was accused of disrupting Air Peace flight operations.
Speaking on the incident, the former governor of Edo State and ex-President of the Nigeria Labour Congress denied any misconduct, insisting that he only stood up against what he described as a systemic exploitation of Nigerian travelers.
According to Oshiomhole, the incident occurred when he arrived at the Air Peace boarding gate with a valid ticket for a morning flight. Despite being at the terminal on time, he and several other passengers were denied check-in.
He alleged that airline staff deliberately categorized them as “latecomers,” even though the aircraft was still on the ground, only to begin collecting large sums from some passengers in exchange for allowing them to board the flight through unofficial channels.
He revealed that passengers, including himself, who had purchased tickets for ₦149,600 were being charged an additional ₦109,900 as a “rescheduling fee” to be moved to the next flight scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Oshiomhole condemned the practice, describing it as unjust and exploitative.
“This was simply extortion,” he said. “You can’t deny people boarding and then begin to selectively allow in those who are willing to pay extra, unofficial charges. That is not how a system should work.”
He recounted that after a staff member recognized him, a senior manager from Air Peace approached and offered to “sort him out” by granting him access to the flight through the backdoor—a favor extended due to his status as a Senator.
. I came here as a Nigerian citizen with a valid ticket. I didn’t arrive late, so why should I be denied boarding? If I accept special treatment, what happens to the ordinary Nigerians standing beside me who also have valid tickets but no political title?”
He continued by stressing that his refusal was based on principle and his lifelong commitment to social justice and accountability.
“I told them clearly, don’t do me any favours. Enforce my rights — and the rights of every other Nigerian here. This country can’t move forward if we keep accepting corruption and injustice in little doses.”
Oshiomhole also confirmed that when officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) later intervened, he insisted again that he was not seeking a personal solution, but a systemic correction that would benefit all affected passengers.
“I made it clear to the DSS too — I didn’t want a personal fix. This wasn’t just about me; it was about all Nigerians being taken advantage of,” he stated.
Reflecting on the broader implications, the Senator emphasized that remaining silent in the face of such abuse only emboldens those who perpetuate it. He urged Nigerians to resist systemic exploitation, even if it means confronting authority in small but meaningful ways.
“People often avoid small confrontations to keep the peace, but in doing so, we walk ourselves into bigger crises. I believe it’s better to fight a small injustice today than to allow it grow into something much more dangerous.”
“God has given me a voice and a platform, and I would be betraying that responsibility if I only sought a solution for myself and left others to suffer,” he concluded. “The day I stop speaking the truth, I would no longer deserve to carry my father’s name.”