Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are at the center of controversy after their recent trip to Nigeria, where reportedly used an airline service linked to a businessman with legal problems in the United States. The couple, during their three-day visit, attended several events in Nigeria and while they chose British Airways for international travel, their domestic flights within the country were provided by Air Peace.
The owner of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has been implicated in serious legal allegations. According to reports from the daily mail, Onyema faces “multiple charges related to alleged fraud worth millions of dollars set forth in a federal indictment filed in November 2019.” These charges suggest that he may have used his position as a business leader and airline executive to launder more than 16 million pounds ($20 million) from Nigeria through US bank accounts.
Despite these serious allegations against Onyema, a source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has defended the couple’s choice of airline, stating that their trip within Nigeria was organized by the Nigerian Chief of Defense Staff. The source, who spoke with the daily beastemphasized that Air Peace is the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa and offers daily flights between Lagos and London Gatwick Airport, underlining the operational scale and regional importance of the airline.
There is currently no evidence or indication that Harry and Meghan were aware of the legal controversies surrounding the airline’s owner at the time of their trip. The source close to the couple dismissed the backlash, suggesting that the travel arrangements were a matter of logistical convenience rather than a deliberate endorsement of Onyema or her business practices.
The trip also drew criticism from royal commentators, one of whom accused Harry and Meghan of having ambitions to “replace” King Charles. This comment reflects continued scrutiny and speculation about the couple’s motives and actions as they continue to play their roles within and alongside the Royal Family.
The situation highlights the complexities and challenges Harry and Meghan face while undertaking international travel and humanitarian work, particularly in regions where business practices and legal regulations can attract international attention and controversy. The reaction of this trip underscores the delicate balance of public perception and the need for careful consideration by associations and associations in their continued philanthropic and professional efforts.