In Defense of Senator Adams Oshiomhole: Air Peace, Political Hypocrisy, and the Courage to Demand Better

By Felix Osemwengie Isere,Esq.

The recent incident between Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Air Peace has sparked widespread debate. But as emotions run high and political camps seize the moment for opportunistic attacks, it’s crucial to step back and ask: what exactly did Oshiomhole do wrong? Demand accountability? Speak for frustrated Nigerians? Refuse to enjoy privileges that could have saved him discomfort, in order to stand in solidarity with the ordinary people? These actions should be applauded, not condemned.

*A Symbol of the People’s Frustration*

Senator Oshiomhole’s experience with Air Peace represents the everyday frustration of millions of Nigerians who travel within the country. Passengers are routinely subjected to arbitrary delays, cancellations without explanation, poor communication, extortion through sudden surcharges, and general disregard for their time and dignity.

This is not unique to Air Peace though, they are often a major offender, but reflective of a systemic failure in the Nigerian aviation industry. What makes this case different is that a man with influence and voice chose not to look the other way.

As a former labour leader, Senator Oshiomhole has always been a symbol of resistance to oppression and injustice. His confrontation with Air Peace is just another chapter in a lifelong commitment to standing up for the voiceless.

*A Selfless Act of Solidarity*

One of the most telling aspects of this incident and perhaps the most ignored by his critics is Oshiomhole’s refusal to accept special treatment, even when it was offered. He could have used his status to bypass the mess, enjoy a private boarding, or avoid the stress altogether. But he chose not to. Instead, he stood with the people.

Even more moving is the fact that he didn’t just complain,he acted. When he encountered a distressed woman with a baby who had been extorted by Air Peace, he gave her ₦500,000 to support her. That gesture was not political; it was humanitarian. It was a rare act of leadership by empathy, one that we so desperately need in today’s political landscape.

This is what true patriotism looks like: using one’s platform and privilege to fight for those who have none. In a society where many public officials are disconnected from the realities of ordinary Nigerians, Oshiomhole chose the harder, nobler path.

“*This Can’t Happen Abroad” A Tired and Misleading Excuse*

Critics have lazily repeated the line that “Oshiomhole would never do this abroad.” But they fail to ask: would an airline abroad ever treat passengers the way Nigerian airlines treat theirs? Certainly not. Airlines operating in countries with functional systems know there are consequences for poor service. Passenger rights are protected by law, enforced by regulators, and respected by service providers.

Even Air Peace knows better than to behave this way abroad. On their international routes, they suddenly become more professional, more punctual, and more accountable. Why? Because they know those international passengers won’t tolerate nonsense. They understand that the aviation authorities in those jurisdictions won’t accept mediocrity.

So, the real question is not about Oshiomhole’s behavior abroad, but why Nigerian passengers continue to be treated with disdain at home. Oshiomhole asked that question—and instead of support, he got attacked.

*Political Hatred Masquerading as Criticism*

It’s clear that much of the backlash against Senator Oshiomhole is not about the facts of the incident, but about his political identity. The same people attacking him now have been silent when others—even less politely challenged poor airline services. This is not about principles; it’s about politics.

We must learn to judge issues based on substance, not sentiment. Supporting a local airline like Air Peace is commendable, but patriotism does not mean silence in the face of injustice. Defending substandard service does not make one loyal it makes one complicit.

*Conclusion: A Call for Leadership with Conscience*

Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s actions during the Air Peace saga should be studied as a lesson in leadership, not weaponized as political fodder. His refusal to accept preferential treatment, his empathy for ordinary Nigerians, and his bold stand against systemic abuse reflect the kind of conscience-driven politics we need in Nigeria.

If more public officials acted with such courage and compassion, perhaps ordinary Nigerians would not feel so abandoned in the face of corporate or institutional impunity. Oshiomhole did not just speak for himself, he spoke for the voiceless. He demanded respect for Nigerian lives, time, and dignity. That is not arrogance. That is leadership.

And it is time we began to recognize and emulate it.

*Felix Osemwengie Isere* is a lawyer and the Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Oil and Gas.