By Elizabeth Godwin
Veteran Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has issued a public apology following reports of an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5.
In a statement personally signed and released on Friday, the music icon addressed media claims that he was involved in misconduct on a ValueJet flight, clarifying that the flask seen in his possession contained water, not alcohol.
According to K1, he suffers from chronic dehydration, a medical condition that requires him to remain constantly hydrated. He explained that the flask was empty during two separate security screenings and was only filled with water at the airport lounge shortly before boarding. He stressed that he had not entered the aircraft at the time and, therefore, could not have been deboarded, as some reports suggested.
“I acknowledge and deeply regret the concerns that arose from the incident. It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols,” the statement read. K1 extended apologies to the Presidency, the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), ValueJet, and Nigerians at large.
The musician further stated that CCTV footage from the airport could corroborate his account and reaffirmed his respect for aviation rules and procedures. “My unwavering patriotism and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt. I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built,” he added.
K1, whose career in the entertainment industry spans over five decades, also thanked his fans for their continued support. He assured the public of his commitment to promoting Nigerian culture, saying the unfortunate incident would not deter him from his artistic and cultural contributions to the nation.
