The President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers of Nigeria (NURTW), Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top aviation authorities to grant clemency to Fuji music legend, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as K1), over a recent aviation incident.
In an open letter, Akinsanya likened K1 to “a prodigal son” who has “acknowledged his mistakes, is sincerely apologetic, and is willing to make amends.” He urged the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, to “temper justice with mercy” by lifting the ban placed on K1 and the pilot, Oluranti Ogoyi.
The ban reportedly followed an incident at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja involving K1’s conduct aboard a Value Jet flight.
On behalf of K1, Akinsanya offered “unreserved and heartfelt apologies” to the CEO of Value Jet, Mr. Kunle Soname, the airline’s staff, the pilot, and the general public. He acknowledged K1’s wrongdoing but appealed for leniency in light of the musician’s “50-year contributions to Nigeria’s growth and the promotion of Yoruba culture worldwide.”
“I plead with the authorities to accept K1’s apology and show mercy, considering his legacy and dedication to the nation. May wisdom guide your decisions, and may we not throw away the baby with the bathwater,” Akinsanya wrote, stressing that mercy and forgiveness would “uphold the values of compassion and humanity.”
He concluded his appeal with blessings for the President and the country, expressing hope that the matter would be resolved amicably.
