Nollywood actress and filmmaker Bolaji Ogunmola has publicly condemned United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) after her Ekiti-Lagos flight was abruptly cancelled, causing significant disruption to her film production and resulting in heavy financial losses.
In a video posted on social media from the airport, Ogunmola described the ordeal as frustrating and stressful, explaining that she had already scheduled her movie shoot in Lagos, with cast, crew, and equipment ready for the first day of filming. She revealed that the sudden cancellation, coupled with multiple rescheduled departures, left her stranded for hours.
Ogunmola disclosed that she had invested between ₦15 million and ₦20 million in the production and that the delays jeopardised the project. “I’m literally stuck in a state where I don’t know anybody. My crew, production team, and everyone are waiting because this is our first day on set,” she lamented, stressing that she was forced to make alternative travel arrangements to minimise further delays.
Brandspur reports that the actress accused UNA of poor communication, stating that passengers received no timely updates about the changing flight schedule. According to Ogunmola, the flight was first postponed from Wednesday, with subsequent adjustments moving departure times from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., then 12:00 noon, and finally 5:30 p.m., without adequate notice.
United Nigeria Airlines responded through spokesperson Chibuike Uloka, who confirmed the flight cancellation but explained that it was due to an unscheduled maintenance check ordered by the airline’s engineers. Uloka emphasised that passenger safety is the airline’s top priority and that the aircraft had to be certified airworthy before departure.
He also noted that UNA’s station manager had informed Ogunmola about the issue directly, disputing claims of a lack of communication.
While expressing regret over the incident, Uloka added, “It is not in our interest as an airline to delay or cancel flights. Whenever this happens, we are losing money. We serve the Nigerian public with safety as our utmost priority.”
The dispute has sparked widespread attention on social media, with Ogunmola promising to pursue the matter further to safeguard her livelihood and production schedule.
