The ongoing controversy surrounding Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has taken a new turn as fellow Fuji stars Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and Abass Akande Obesere have weighed in with contrasting tones of support and caution.
The drama stems from an altercation between K1 De Ultimate and a ValueJet pilot Captain Oluranti Ogoyi at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, earlier this week.
The clash, reportedly over a flask containing alcohol, prompted Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to order the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to place the 68-year-old musician on a six-month no-fly list pending investigation.
The NCAA has also petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for possible prosecution.
In the wake of the backlash, K1 on Friday released a video apology,, describing the incident as “regrettable” and taking full responsibility. He extended his apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation, the pilot involved, the airline, passengers, his fans worldwide, and his family.
K1 further clarified that he suffers from a medical condition that requires constant hydration, which was why he had the flask of water in question.
Shortly after, Pasuma publicly backed his longtime friend by reposting the apology video on Instagram, urging Nigerians to forgive K1.
“As humans, we are all bound to make mistakes. It is our remorse and ability to accept our wrongs that makes us grow into better humans. Nigerians, please accept our apology,” Pasuma wrote.
However, Obesere, another heavyweight in the Fuji music industry, struck a more reflective tone. Speaking on the matter, he stressed the need for Fuji musicians to uphold the genre’s international reputation, describing them as “global ambassadors” whose conduct should reflect the prestige the music form commands.
“As global ambassadors of Fuji, our behavior must reflect the prestige and respect we’ve earned over the years,” Obesere stated.
Obesere encouraged K1 to maintain transparency in resolving the issue while calling on aviation authorities to handle the case fairly and without bias, ensuring that all passengers are subject to the same safety regulations regardless of their social standing.
The incident has ignited debates both within and outside the Fuji music community, raising questions about celebrity accountability, the responsibilities of cultural ambassadors, and the enforcement of aviation rules in Nigeria.
