Former Ondo first lady speaks on airport incidents, hails Keyamo

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Former Ondo State first lady, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has commended the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for addressing public concerns and demonstrating balanced leadership in handling recent high-profile airport incidents.

The incidents involved an Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, who had an altercation with a flight attendant, and popular musician Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM 1, who was earlier reported to have disrupted a flight.

In a statement posted on her Facebook account and sighted by Western Post, Anyanwu-Akeredolu praised the clemency granted to both Ms. Emmanson and KWAM 1.

Part of the post read: “I commend the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for listening to the public outcry and demonstrating balanced leadership in resolving these highly publicised airport incidents.

“The clemency granted to both Ms. Comfort Emmanson and KWAM 1 sends a clear message that while aviation safety and security remain paramount, justice must also be tempered with fairness and compassion.

“Given the perception that Ms. Emmanson’s treatment was harsher than that of KWAM 1, this resolution restores a sense of equity and shows that public opinion, when constructively expressed, can influence governance positively.

“That said, this episode should be a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation sector. Airlines, particularly Ibom Air, must invest more in robust customer service training that emphasises empathy, effective communication, and conflict de-escalation.

“On the other hand, passengers must familiarise themselves with, and adhere strictly to, aviation safety rules and regulations. Respect must be mutual, between airline staff and travellers, if we are to prevent such avoidable flashpoints in future.”