KWAM1’s Ambassadorial Role Shows Only Rich, Famous Get Justice, Laolu Akande Tells Keyamo

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has criticised the decision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), to appoint Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as KWAM 1), as an “ambassador for good behaviour” barely a week after he was embroiled in a public misconduct controversy […]

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has criticised the decision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), to appoint Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as KWAM 1), as an “ambassador for good behaviour” barely a week after he was embroiled in a public misconduct controversy at an airport.

Speaking during the My Take segment of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television on Friday, Akande described the move as “rather curious” and “distasteful,” warning that it sends the wrong signal about justice and accountability in Nigeria.

Akande warned that such a precedent undermines the rule of law, suggesting that it reinforces a culture where “only the rich and the famous” can escape the consequences of their actions.

“It is true that reputation can upend law and order, and that is exactly why societies needed and still need the rule of law. Otherwise, only the rich and the famous, all alone, will have access to justice when they are wrong, and access to mercy when they offend. Just because they can pay the price with their wealth or their fame, but that would not build a decent and upright nation or people,” he said.

“Specifically, the transformation of KWAM, that is King Wasiu Ayinde, from offender to ambassador for good behavior all within a week is rather curious. It is looking more like an abacadabra, aka the Keyamo Magic. Kwam, who has a reputation, seems to have come in handy with his reputation to save the day for him, but in a rather distasteful manner.”

While acknowledging Keyamo’s statement that “lessons have been learned” from the saga, Akande cautioned the minister against acting hastily:
“My dear senior advocate and my dear good brother, not too fast. It makes you look like a magician, Mr. Keyamo. The time to showcase Kwam as an ambassador is not now. Remember, action speaks louder than voice. Let us see KWAM show some repentance in the eyes of the people.”
Akande argued that a more appropriate response would have been to let KWAM 1 “cool his heels” and demonstrate exemplary behaviour over time before granting him such a symbolic role.
“You should have given Kwam1 the opportunity to cool his heels a bit, pay off his debt to society because of his misconduct at the airport. And then when people have seen him return over a good period of time, behaving as a worthy example, you can then confer on him the status of an ambassador. The rush right now by you, the minister, has only made matters worse. Worse for the government that you represent and worse for KWAM, the artist that a lot of us love so much for his talent,” he stressed.
On the role of other parties in the incident, Akande noted that Comfort Emerson, the passenger involved in the altercation, “reserves the right to press charges” but had also displayed questionable conduct.
He further urged Ibom Air to protect its growing positive reputation by improving staff relations with passengers:
“They also need to demonstrate that they can do better and that they have the capacity to improve on the relationship that their staff show to their clients. Their responsibilities towards their passengers can be better done. Let us remember that the customer is always king. Respect, order, and decency are non-negotiable.”
Akande concluded with a call for personal responsibility and adherence to due process:
“As a people, we need to be frank with ourselves. Passengers must conform to lay down rules and seek redress when they feel offended only according to the lay down regulations, not by a resort to self-help.”
The comments come amid growing debate over how public figures are treated in Nigeria’s justice system, with many critics saying that wealth, fame, and political connections too often determine the outcome of misconduct cases.