OF WASIU AYINDE AND THE RECKLESS PILOT

By Akinwole Ogunlola

Admittedly, it may still be too early to establish the full facts surrounding the incident captured in that now-viral video. According to some reports, the Akile Ijebu, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), allegedly boarded the aircraft with an already opened bottle of liquor in hand—a violation of airline protocols—which led to the flight crew denying him access to fly. We also heard that an argument ensued, possibly escalating tensions and provoking the pilot.

But whatever the circumstances, a critical question remains: Did the pilot’s subsequent conduct conform to the rules and safety standards governing aviation? The answer appears to be: highly doubtful.

While it would be both irresponsible and arrogant—indeed, a reflection of the broader culture of impunity that pervades public behavior in Nigeria—for Wasiu Ayinde to attempt boarding with open alcohol (assuming this allegation is true), it is equally, if not more, unacceptable for a pilot to respond with such reckless disregard for human life, as was evident in her actions.

There are established protocols for dealing with unruly passengers. The captain is expected to call airport security to arrest or disembark such individuals. Once the passenger has been removed, the pilot must still adhere strictly to aviation safety standards and protocols before taxiing out of the hangar and proceeding to the runway.

At every airport, trained aircraft marshals and ground crew are assigned to guide aircraft in and out of parking spaces. These professionals use visual signals—often with illuminated wands—to direct pilots safely, especially in tight areas like hangars. Their instructions are not optional; they are part of critical ground-handling operations that ensure safety for both people and property.

In this case, there is no visible evidence that the pilot awaited or followed any guidance from the ground crew before advancing the aircraft. From the footage, it is clear that not only was Wasiu Ayinde at risk of being run over, but several airport personnel had to leap out of the aircraft’s path to avoid being crushed. This would not happen if the pilot were properly guided by marshals and observing standard operating procedures. Such reckless endangerment cannot be excused.

Summary

If Wasiu Ayinde misbehaved on the plane, the appropriate response would have been to involve airport security to arrest or formally escort him off the aircraft—not merely to eject him and leave him lingering dangerously close to the plane.

More importantly, no aircraft should taxi out of a hangar without clearance and active coordination from the ground crew. This oversight is not a minor lapse; it is a fundamental breach of aviation safety.

Ultimately, reckless endangerment of human lives—whether by an enraged pilot or any other aviation personnel—falls far outside the boundaries of acceptable conduct in air travel. It must be condemned and properly investigated.