The controversy surrounding Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, and a ValueJet pilot who taxied an aircraft dangerously close to the artist has taken an interesting turn as the female pilot involved has been identified as Captain Oluranti Ogoyi — daughter of a former Nigerian senator.
Captain Ogoyi was recently thrust into the spotlight following the viral incident at the Lagos airport involving KWAM 1 and other passengers. While ValueJet continues its internal review of the matter, emerging details about the pilot’s background have sparked further public interest.
Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, fondly referred to as “Rantilicious” by colleagues, is the daughter of Ex-Senator Felix Kola Ogunwale, who represented Osun Central Senatorial District between 2003 and 2007. Known for her calm demeanor and expertise in aviation, she is one of the standout female pilots in the Nigerian commercial aviation industry.
She began her professional flying career with Arik Air, where she honed her skills as a first officer. Her competence and leadership in the cockpit earned her a promotion to full captain in September 2021 — a milestone recognized in a formal ceremony by Arik’s then-CEO, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, alongside other notable industry figures like Captain Adetokunbo Adekunbi and Captain Chris Najomo, who now serves as Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Following her time at Arik, she joined ValueJet and has built a reputation as one of the airline’s most experienced and reliable pilots.
Captain Ogoyi is also part of an aviation couple — she is married to Captain Isaac Ogoyi Jr., a fellow pilot who started at Arik Air and has since flown for RwandAir and now Uganda Airlines.
The NCAA had earlier suspended the licence of the captain. While ValueJet has not issued any further disciplinary updates since confirming an investigation into the incident, the pilot’s high-profile background and impressive aviation credentials continue to trend across social media platforms, adding a deeper dimension to the unfolding airport saga involving KWAM 1.
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