By ‘yode Alade
The Nigerian media space has in the last few hours been awash with claims and counter claims over what transpired between Fuji maestro, K1 de Ultimate and the ValueJet crew which led to the music icon being prevented from boarding an aircraft and was nearly ran over.
Trouble reportedly started when K1 and his crew were trying to board the plane but was informed that he couldn’t get on with the thermoflask he was carrying which was said to have contained unidentified liquid. According to aviation authorities, no individual is allowed to carry any form of liquid especially when it is more than 100ml.
But the Fuji musician had insisted on carrying along with him, his golden flask which has in recent times been some sort of signature for him. The flight crew had insisted he couldn’t be allowed to board with the flask which led to some sort of commotion with the ‘Ade Ori Okin’ crooner getting agitated and in the process reported to have spilled contents from the container on a ground staff at the terminal.
The ValueJet pilot, BlackBox Nigeria discovered then insisted the musician wouldn’t be granted access to the plane and instructed the door shut. She and her co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Iloba then proceeded to fly the plane in the process almost running over K1 de Ultimate and others on ground, a decision which has been described as reckless and unprofessional.
Ogoyi and Iloba have since been suspended by aviation authorities even as observers call for equal sanctions and prosecution of K1 de Ultimate.
BlackBox Nigeria has however, further gathered additional information about the suspended pilot.
A pilot of over 10 years, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi joined ValueJet a few years ago after flying with Arik Air for many years. She became a full captain in September 2021 many years after flying as a first officer. She was decorated by the management of Arik Air led by Chief Executive Officer; Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Director of Flight Operations; Captain Adetokunbo Adekunbi and Chief Pilot; Captain Chris Najomo.
Oluranti who is also known as Rantilicious was born Oluranti Ogunwale to the family of Nigerian politician, Felix Kola Ogunwale who was the Nigerian Senator representing Osun Central between 2003 and 2007.
She is married to a fellow pilot, Isaac Ogoyi Jr who like herself used to fly with Arik Air before moving to RwandAir and later Uganda Airlines where he currently works.
With her unjust behaviour on Wednesday, Oluranti Ogoyi’s fate hangs in the balance as observers have continued to call for punishments for both the flight crew and K1 de Ultimate who attempted to hold the flight to ransom.
