“Aviation Is Not Molue” — NCAA Slams Oshiomhole Over Airport Disruption

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has sharply criticised Senator Adams Oshiomhole following a disruptive incident at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) in Lagos on Wednesday morning, after the former Edo State governor missed his scheduled Air Peace flight to Abuja.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, condemned Oshiomhole’s conduct in a series of posts on his official X handle. Emphasising the importance of adhering to flight protocols, he stated, *”Aviation is not molue. It is not run on vibes.”* Achimugu added that passengers arriving after check-in closes are considered “no-shows” and may only be rebooked subject to seat availability and applicable fees. “If your flight departs at 0630hrs and you stroll into the airport at 0612, you are late,” he wrote.

Oshiomhole had earlier lashed out at Air Peace, alleging that despite completing online check-in and arriving shortly after 6:00 a.m., he was barred from boarding the 6:30 a.m. flight. He claimed staff selectively allowed other passengers to board while denying him and his companions entry, and further accused the airline of exploiting stranded travellers by reselling tickets at inflated prices.

The situation escalated at the terminal, with eyewitnesses and airport sources confirming that Oshiomhole blocked the entrance to the terminal after being denied boarding. Air Peace, in a statement, accused the senator of physically assaulting staff and sealing the entry gate, preventing other passengers from entering. The airline described his behaviour as disruptive and unacceptable, stating that it caused delays and significant inconvenience to multiple travellers.

Achimugu defended the airline’s position and clarified the global practice of overbooking in aviation, noting that passengers have a responsibility to understand the terms and conditions attached to air travel. “It is a service that you owe yourself,” he wrote. “An alarming number of cases are issues where simply reading up would have helped to avoid certain unsavoury situations.”