ASHENEWS reports that a son to a former governor of Ogun state, Debola Daniel has accused the Lagos branch of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), of barring him from accessing their outlet over his disability.
Debola, who took to his official X handle on Wednesday to narrate his encounter said that the incident made him feel ‘less than human, like a guard dog not allowed into the house. Lonely and isolated.’
Detailing his encounter, Debola said “Never has this been more true than it has ever been today where I faced the worst sort of public humiliation that I have ever experienced. To think that this happened at an international brand @kfc @kfcnigeria at an international airport – Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos – is unthinkable.
“I arrived at the airport as normal for my Virgin Atlantic flight to london. I’m a frequent flyer and I’m extremely familiar with all due processes at Murtala Muhammed Airport. Years ago, after all security and immigration formalities have been completed, I would normally go to the OASIS lounge to wait for my flight.
“For the past 3 years, the lift to the lounge has been out of service so I’ve often found solace in other establishments, sometimes lounges, sometimes restaurants such as @kfc @kfcnigeria
“Today I chose KFC – what a colossal mistake. I entered the restaurant with 4 other travel companions consisting of my brothers and wife. The security personnel at KFC, Samuel, greeted me by name as I’ve been there multiple times. Just as we were about to sit, the lady at the till – who was apparently the manager – called out loudly, “NO WHEELCHAIRS ALLOWED”.
“Our group paused in confusion, before my brother, Taiwo, asked what she meant. She refused to listen to reason and stood her ground that at @kfc @kfcnigeria Murtala Muhammed branch, wheelchairs and wheelchair users of all shapes and sizes were not permitted in the premises and we should leave immediately.Our group paused in confusion, before my brother, Taiwo, asked what she meant. She refused to listen to reason and stood her ground that at @kfc @kfcnigeria Murtala Muhammed branch, wheelchairs and wheelchair users of all shapes and sizes were not permitted in the premises and we should leave immediately.
“My siblings and wife became instantly irate and proceeded to debate her position with her, ultimately cumulating in raised voices and strong verbal protests. If there’s one thing I hate more than anything in this life is to create a scene. I detest it. I do not like to draw attention to myself and as such I began pleading with my people that we should just leave.
“My wife took some video footage and my brothers took some pictures. There were at least 5 other witnesses at the scene, who tried to intervene as things unfolded. Eventually our party departed to another lounge upset and quite frankly pissed off.My wife took some video footage and my brothers took some pictures. There were at least 5 other witnesses at the scene, who tried to intervene as things unfolded. Eventually our party departed to another lounge upset and quite frankly pissed off.
“Normally I would let these things slide but not today. When calmer heads prevailed, my wife and brother – Mayowa – went back and under the guise of buying some food and while audio recording, she questioned the lady again and the lady reiterated her position that the business does not allow wheelchairs into their premises.
“She stated that although she recently just transferred to that branch, it is something that has been drummed into them. NO WHEELCHAIRS ALLOWED.”
Daniel’s post has since garnered thousands of reactions, mostly condemnation from X users across Nigeria.
KFCNigeria also responded with a post in which it said that it would investigate the allegations.
“Dear @DebolaDaniel, we’re extremely sorry about the poor experience you had at our store.
“It highlights how much more work we need to do internally to develop & align our teams to KFC’s values & principles.
“We are currently investigating this and we assure that this will never get repeated,” KFC Nigeria’s reply said.
