Peter Esele, a former president of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, has expressed his disappointment over Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde’s alleged refusal to comply with airport regulations.
Reacting to the incident, Esele said KWAM 1’s actions are unbecoming of a respected musician and celebrity.
According to him, the consequences of lawlessness go beyond insults.
“It is a metaphor for a nation where power exempts one from consequence,” he said.
A viral video showed Fuji musician, aka KWAM 1, standing in front of an aircraft, attempting to block the plane from taxiing.
According to ValueJet Airlines, K1 was barred from boarding flight VK 201 (Abuja-Lagos) because he insisted on carrying a flask containing a liquid substance that exceeded the permitted 100ml limit.
Despite repeated requests, it was alleged that he refused to comply with security regulations.
The flight captain, Oluranti Ogoyi, alleged that the musician opened the bottle and poured its contents on her and others nearby.
Mr Esele said, “Aviation laws are clear; liquids over 100ml are prohibited unless medically necessary and declared. Yet enforcement bends to influence. We live in a country where ‘Do you know who I am?’ is not a question, but a threat.
“From government officials using sirens to bully their way through traffic, to reckless drivers ignoring zebra crossings, the culture of impunity is top-down. These daily infractions and the silence of those tasked with enforcement erode our values and unravel the fabric that binds us.
“Is this the legacy we want to leave? Should apologies replace justice? What happens when laws only apply to the powerless? We must demand better. We must rebuild civic education, empower institutions to act without fear or favour, and insist that the law protect everyone equally.”
Mr Esele noted that Nigerians could still build a society where zebra crossings are respected, flights are safe, and fame does not override accountability.
“It starts with refusing to excuse the inexcusable,” he added.
He also noted that in a functioning society, the behaviour displayed by KWAM 1 would trigger swift legal consequences.
“In ours, it prompted a tepid apology, likely because cameras were rolling. Had there been no footage, he would have probably locked up the pilot and airline owner,” he further said.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority said the travel ban placed on KWAM 1 will remain in place indefinitely until ongoing investigations into the flight incident are concluded.
On August 7, aviation minister Festus Keyamo directed the NCAA to place the musician on a no-fly list, pending the outcome of a full investigation.
(NAN)
