Ex-TUC President Condemns K1 De Ultimate’s Airport Misconduct, Urges Equal Enforcement of Laws

Former President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Peter Esele, has expressed strong disapproval over Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde—popularly known as K1 De Ultimate—following his alleged refusal to comply with airport regulations.

Speaking on the incident, Esele said K1’s behaviour was unbecoming of a respected musician and public figure, adding that such acts undermine the rule of law.

“The consequences of lawlessness go beyond insults,” Esele said. “It is a metaphor for a nation where power exempts one from consequence.”

A viral video shared online showed K1 standing in front of an aircraft, apparently attempting to stop it from taxiing. ValueJet Airlines stated that the musician was barred from boarding flight VK 201 (Abuja–Lagos) because he insisted on carrying a flask with liquid exceeding the permitted 100ml limit. Despite repeated warnings, he allegedly refused to comply with security rules.

The flight’s captain, Oluranti Ogoyi, alleged that K1 opened the flask and poured its contents on her and others nearby.

Esele stressed that aviation laws are clear, noting that liquids over 100ml are prohibited unless medically necessary and declared. “Yet enforcement bends to influence. In this country, ‘Do you know who I am?’ is not a question but a threat,” he said.

He linked the incident to a broader culture of impunity, comparing it to government convoys that bully traffic or drivers who ignore pedestrian crossings. “These daily infractions and the silence of those tasked with enforcement erode our values and unravel the fabric that binds us,” he said.

According to Esele, a functioning society would have swiftly prosecuted such misconduct. “In ours, it prompted a tepid apology, likely because cameras were rolling. Without footage, he might have locked up the pilot and airline owner,” he added.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has placed K1 on an indefinite travel ban pending investigations into the incident. On August 7, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo directed the NCAA to keep the musician on a no-fly list for six months, subject to the outcome of a full probe.

Esele concluded by urging Nigerians to stop excusing unacceptable behaviour, rebuild civic education, and empower institutions to enforce laws without fear or favour.