IBADAN, Nigeria – In a dramatic turn of events, Olufemi Ajadi, the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, has threatened to sue Dana Airline for N50 million in damages.
Ajadi claims that the airline’s failure to conduct its scheduled flight from Abuja to Lagos on Friday, April 28, 2023, caused him to miss a crucial business meeting in Abeokuta.
During an interview with Sunday Vanguard in Ibadan on Saturday, April 29, 2023, Ajadi expressed his frustration with the airline’s lack of communication and concern for the stranded passengers, including himself.
He stated, “Worse, there was neither a genuine concern nor explanation by the airline management despite the restlessness of the stranded passengers, many of whom had earlier reassured waiting clients and family members back in Lagos and Abeokuta.”
Ajadi argues that Dana Air has violated its duties under the Civil Aviation Act of 2006, the Warsaw Convention of 1929, and the Montreal Convention of 1999, all of which are applicable in Nigeria.
He asserts, “This act of negligence and breach of contract has made me unable to meet an important business meeting scheduled for Abeokuta.”
The gubernatorial candidate also highlighted the impact on his workforce, who were awaiting briefing for the next day’s production, and his household in Abeokuta, who were concerned for his safety.
Ajadi called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to intervene and ensure airlines uphold their contractual obligations.
In a striking statement, Ajadi declared, “The bad maltreatment of Nigerians and other air passengers by these airlines should stop, and I am taking up the matter to serve as a deterrent.”
According to sources, Dana Air failed to provide the aircraft scheduled to transport passengers to Lagos, despite extending the departure time by 50 minutes. Passengers who had booked their flights well in advance were left in the dark, with no information or assistance from the airline.
Ajadi concluded, “I am demanding fifty million naira (N50,000,000.00) damages for making me miss the scheduled business meeting in Abeokuta. The cost of a ticket may not be much, but in this case, the breach of contract is unquantifiable.”
