Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, a prominent female pilot with ValueJet and daughter of former Osun Central Senator Felix Kola Ogunwale, has been suspended by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) following a serious safety violation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The incident, which occurred on August 5, involved a ValueJet flight piloted by Captain Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba.

The crew reportedly initiated taxi procedures without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance from air traffic control. This action, captured on video, showed the aircraft moving while ground staff were still operating around the jet — a move the NCAA has described as a “blatant disregard for established safety protocols.”

In an official statement issued on Tuesday, the NCAA confirmed that both pilots’ licences had been suspended with immediate effect. The regulatory body explained that the action was necessary to ensure public safety and uphold the integrity of aviation standards in the country.

According to the NCAA, the preliminary report concluded that the flight crew failed to follow air traffic instructions, potentially endangering ground personnel and breaching international aviation norms.

Captain Oluranti, often called “Rantilicious” by her colleagues and friends, has been a commercial pilot for over a decade. She began her aviation career with Arik Air and was promoted to captain in September 2021, after many years flying as a first officer.

She joined ValueJet shortly after gaining her full captainship and quickly earned a reputation as a skilled and disciplined aviator.

Born into a political family, she is the daughter of Senator Felix Kola Ogunwale, who represented Osun Central in the Nigerian Senate between 2003 and 2007.

Captain Oluranti is married to fellow aviator Isaac Ogoyi Jr., who formerly flew with Arik Air before moving on to RwandAir and currently flies with Uganda Airlines.

Following the suspension, ValueJet released a statement acknowledging the severity of the incident.

The airline confirmed that both pilots have been removed from active duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation. The airline’s management reiterated its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, stating that it would cooperate fully with the NCAA during the investigation process.

The event has sparked discussion across the Nigerian aviation sector, with industry observers emphasizing the importance of procedural discipline, regardless of a pilot’s experience or public profile.

The incident also attracted public attention due to the presence of Nigerian Fuji legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as K1 De Ultimate), who was reportedly a passenger on the flight, though he has not publicly commented on the matter.

The NCAA has not provided a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation, but it has assured the public that it will take all necessary steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As inquiries continue, the aviation community watches closely, noting that this case may set a significant precedent for how safety breaches are addressed at the highest levels of Nigerian commercial aviation.