A live television interview involving Lere Olayinka, media aide to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, ended abruptly on Friday after he declined to answer questions from Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni.
Olayinka appeared on The Morning Show but objected when Oseni took his turn to question him during the programme. The disagreement reportedly followed Olayinka’s objection to Oseni’s previous use of the term “Gbewudani” when referring to certain individuals.
When Oseni asked Olayinka to explain why former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu was included in the presidential campaign council despite corruption allegations against her, the Wike aide refused to respond.
“I’m very sorry to say this, Oseni Rufai, I don’t want to answer any question from you. I want this conversation to be among reasonable human beings,” Olayinka said.
He added that he was unwilling to engage with someone who would describe other people as “Gbewudani.”
The exchange escalated when another programme anchor, Ayo Mario Ese, reminded Olayinka that the show had three anchors and that he could not selectively decide which presenter would question him.
The interview was subsequently brought to an end, with reports indicating that Arise TV discontinued the session after Olayinka maintained his position.
The incident has generated discussion about the relationship between political spokespersons and broadcast journalists, particularly the expectations surrounding live interviews.
The confrontation is also not the first public disagreement between Olayinka and Oseni. The pair have previously exchanged criticisms over journalism, broadcasting and the conduct of political interviews.
In an earlier dispute, Olayinka challenged Oseni’s professional credentials, while Oseni defended his experience in broadcasting and journalism.
The latest clash comes as political discussions intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, when television interviews are expected to remain an important platform for politicians, government officials and journalists to debate public issues.
Olayinka serves as a media aide to Wike, while Oseni is a prominent anchor on Arise TV’s The Morning Show.
