Disrespect in the Skies: When Entitlement Takes Flight and Justice Stays Grounded

Here at Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, we are deeply concerned by the reports emerging from the recent ValueJet incident involving a prominent male passenger, Wasiu Ayinde (Kwam 1), and the female pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi. What should have been a straightforward matter of ensuring passenger safety in the air has devolved into a disturbing case study of gendered power dynamics and a glaring lack of accountability.

The details, as reported, paint a shocking picture. A male passenger allegedly behaving in an unruly manner, reportedly disrespecting and even assaulting the female captain and crew. What is particularly galling is the seeming disparity in the aftermath. While the pilots involved have faced suspension, we are yet to see any reports of arrest or charges being brought against the passenger whose alleged behavior instigated the entire situation and compromised the safety and dignity of the flight crew.

Let’s be clear: the fact that the captain in this scenario was a woman is not incidental. In a society where women continue to fight for their rightful place in professional spheres, particularly in male-dominated industries like aviation, this incident reeks of the same patriarchal entitlement that women face daily. Was the captain’s authority undermined, in part, because she was a woman? Did the passenger believe he could act with impunity towards a female professional in a position of authority? These are critical questions we must ask.

The reported actions of the passenger- the alleged verbal abuse and physical disrespect towards the captain and crew- are unacceptable under any circumstances. However, viewed through a gender lens, it highlights the insidious ways in which women in leadership roles can be targeted and undermined simply because of their gender. It reinforces the harmful narrative that women are not to be respected in positions of power, that their authority can be challenged and dismissed without consequence.

The silence surrounding potential legal repercussions for the unruly passenger is deafening. Why was there no immediate arrest? Why are we not hearing about charges being filed? This inaction sends a dangerous message: that the safety and dignity of female professionals, even when they are responsible for the lives of passengers in the air, are not taken seriously. It suggests that male entitlement can supersede the rules and regulations designed to protect everyone.

Baobab for Women’s Human Rights demands accountability. We call on the relevant authorities to:

•  Thoroughly investigate the incident and make the findings public.

•  Ensure that the unruly passenger faces the full consequences of his actions under the law. Failure to do so will further embolden those who believe they can act with disrespect and impunity towards women in positions of authority.

•  Recognize and address the gender dimensions of this incident. This is not just about unruly passenger behavior; it is about the systemic disrespect women professionals often face.

•  Reassess the suspension of the pilots. While protocols must be followed, the focus should remain on addressing the root cause of the incident: the alleged behavior of the passenger.

  

  L-R( Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, Wasiu Ayinde)

This incident should serve as a wake-up call. We must stand in solidarity with Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and all women professionals who face disrespect and undermining simply for being women in their fields. Justice must be served, not just for the safety of our skies, but for the advancement and protection of women’s human rights in Nigeria and beyond. The message must be loud and clear: disrespecting women in their professional capacity will not be tolerated. The time for entitlement to land and justice to take flight is now.

Baobab for Women’s Human Rights,, Abuja