Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Passengers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos were thrown into confusion on Wednesday morning when Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo State Governor and current lawmaker representing Edo North, disrupted operations at the Zulu Terminal of the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) after missing his scheduled flight to Abuja.
Truth Live News gathered from multiple sources at the airport, Senator Oshiomhole arrived well after the scheduled departure time of his 6:30 am Air Peace flight but attempted to force his way through the terminal despite check-in procedures having closed. When denied access, the senator reportedly blocked the entrance to the Zulu Terminal, effectively halting terminal operations and leaving scores of passengers stranded.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with airline and airport staff pleading with the senator to vacate the entrance. “He missed the flight. That’s the simple truth,” said one airline official who witnessed the incident. “He wanted them to delay the flight for him, but Air Peace refused. He then blocked the entrance, and nobody could go in or out.”
Despite efforts by the terminal manager to calm the situation, Oshiomhole allegedly remained defiant, forcing the intervention of the regional airport manager. A hurriedly convened management meeting was held in a bid to pacify the senator and resume normal operations.
“He disrupted flights by shutting down the Zulu Terminal,” an airport source revealed. “It was tense. The regional manager had to step in after all efforts by the terminal manager failed. Flights were delayed and passengers were angry.”
Air Peace stood its ground, citing its strict adherence to check-in times and refusal to grant special privileges to latecomers, regardless of their status. “Our policy is clear,” a company source said. “Senator or not, check-in closes as scheduled.”
The Zulu Terminal is one of two major domestic wings under the General Aviation Terminal and services key destinations across Nigeria including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, and Calabar. It plays a critical role in managing high-volume passenger traffic at Nigeria’s busiest airport.
When contacted, Ijeoma Blessing Nwosu-Igbo, General Manager of Public Affairs at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), distanced the authority from the incident. “I don’t work for MM2, I work for FAAN. And I am not aware of this incident unless it was reported to us,” she stated.
The incident has reignited public concern over VIP impunity at public facilities, with many calling for an official statement or sanction against the senator for obstructing a public terminal.
As of press time, Senator Oshiomhole’s office had not issued any comment regarding the airport fracas.