180
By Oscar Okhifo
The President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to show mercy to Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also called Kwam 1, by lifting the six-month no-fly ban recently placed on him.
The travel restriction was announced by Keyamo on August 7, 2025, following an incident at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 5.
The minister said the veteran musician had attempted to bring a prohibited liquid, suspected to be alcohol, into a ValueJet flight. When security officials intervened, Kwam 1 allegedly moved about on the tarmac in a way that blocked the aircraft from taxiing.
Keyamo condemned the behaviour as “totally unacceptable,” likening it to a hostage situation and a serious safety breach.
In reaction, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) subsequently suspended the licenses of the pilots involved and blacklisted Kwam 1 for six months pending investigation.
Airlines were warned that carrying the singer during the period could lead to the withdrawal of their operating licenses.
Speaking on August 11, MC Oluomo described Kwam 1 as a “prodigal son” who had admitted his mistakes and was genuinely remorseful. He tendered apologies on behalf of the Fuji star to ValueJet’s management, pilots, and the Nigerian public, urging the authorities to temper justice with compassion.
“Kwam 1 has been a cultural ambassador for over 50 years, contributing immensely to Nigeria’s music and entertainment industry,” MC Oluomo said. “While he erred in judgment, we must not throw away the baby with the bathwater.”
The NURTW boss called on Tinubu, Keyamo, and NCAA to consider the singer’s legacy and lift the ban in the spirit of reconciliation. it’s left to be seen if the NURTW Boss’s wishes will be granted as prayed.