MEET CAPTAIN RANTI OGOYI: THE VALUEJET FEMALE PILOT WHO TANGOED WITH K1


Until her recent airport saga involving Fuji music icon K1, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi — fondly known as Rantilicious — who piloted the ValueJet flight from Abuja to Lagos, had largely maintained a low media profile. A seasoned pilot with over a decade of experience, she has quietly built a respectable career in Nigeria’s aviation industry. The daughter of former Senator Felix Kola Ogunwale, who represented Osun Central from 2003 to 2007, Captain Ogoyi stands out as one of the few female captains commanding commercial flights in the country.

She began her flying career with Arik Air, where she steadily rose through the ranks. Her hard work and commitment culminated in her elevation to the rank of full captain in September 2021. The milestone moment was marked by a formal decoration ceremony, led by senior Arik Air executives including CEO Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Director of Flight Operations Captain Adetokunbo Adekunbi, and then Chief Pilot Captain Chris Najomo—now the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Following her years of service at Arik, Captain Ogoyi joined ValueJet, one of Nigeria’s fast-rising airlines, where she continues to fly with distinction. Known for her calm professionalism in the cockpit and a warm presence among colleagues, she remains a role model for aspiring female aviators.

Her name, however, found its way into the spotlight recently after a viral clip surfaced from an incident involving Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1. The event, which reportedly took place at Abuja’s airport, was far from lighthearted. It captured a tense confrontation in which K1 allegedly attempted to board with a prohibited flask containing alcohol, resisted security protocols, and even obstructed the aircraft's departure. The incident, which led to regulatory investigations and the suspension of the pilots involved, added an unexpected layer of public attention to her otherwise private persona.

Away from the headlines, Captain Ranti Ogoyi is married to fellow aviator, Captain Isaac Ogoyi Jr. Like his wife, he began his career with Arik Air and later moved on to RwandAir before joining Uganda Airlines, where he currently works.

Together, the Ogoyis represent a power couple in African aviation—grounded in professionalism, bonded by passion, and soaring high in a field where excellence speaks louder than fame.


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