Dare Babalola
Legendary Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, better known as K1 De Ultimate, has dismissed claims that he disrupted the flight of ValueJet on Tuesday.
In a statement by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, K1 insisted he was the victim of the incident which was captured in a viral video.
He also clarified that the item which splashed on one of the staff of the airline was not alcohol but “plain drinking water” handed to him at the lounge
He said, “Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) displayed unruly conduct while attempting to board a ValueJet flight. We wish to categorically state that this narrative is not only exaggerated but also misleading.
“Despite his respectful effort to clarify this, the situation was unnecessarily escalated.”
He firmly denied disrupting any airport operations saying, “Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are completely unfounded. The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels both locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols.”
The statement revealed that officials from ValueJet attempted to make amends after the incident.
The statement added, “If indeed there had been anything inappropriate in his conduct, the Head of Airport Security, officials from relevant agencies such as FAAN and NCAA, as well as the Chairman and Managing Director of the airline, would not have reached out personally to appeal, tender apologies, and even go as far as arranging a private jet to fly him to Lagos — at no cost.
“Despite persistent persuasion from the airline’s top executives, K1 graciously declined the offer.
“No one else but him and his personal assistant was directly involved. A few concerned passengers who witnessed the incident firsthand appealed to him to remain calm, recognizing the undue pressure he was under.”
The statement added that the license of the pilot involved in the case has been suspended, stressing that it was the reason she tried to deflect the blame on the singer.
