Businessman and social commentator Isaac Fayose has criticised Lere Olayinka, media aide to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, following Olayinka’s heated exchange with Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni.
Fayose accused the Wike aide of becoming arrogant because of his proximity to political power, while also taking aim at the minister over the incident.
“When you are arrogant, your children will be arrogant. When you are stupid, your children will be stupid,” Fayose said in a video while reacting to Olayinka’s appearance on The Morning Show.
The criticism followed a tense television interview in which Olayinka declined to answer questions from Oseni. The Wike aide said he preferred to have the discussion with what he described as “reasonable human beings.”
“I don’t want to answer any question from you,” Olayinka told Oseni, objecting to what he said was the anchor’s description of some people as “emudani.”
Oseni had also questioned Olayinka about the inclusion of former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu in President Bola Tinubu’s campaign council despite corruption allegations previously levelled against her. Olayinka did not engage the question, and the interview was subsequently brought to an end.
Reacting to the confrontation, Fayose said Olayinka’s conduct reflected the behaviour of his political principal, Wike. He also alleged that Olayinka’s access to political power had influenced the way he addressed people.
The exchange has generated renewed discussion about the relationship between political aides and journalists, particularly when public officials or their representatives appear on live television. It also highlights the increasingly combative nature of Nigeria’s political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest dispute is not the first disagreement involving Olayinka and Oseni. The two have previously exchanged criticisms over journalism, political communication and the conduct of interviews.
Meanwhile, Fayose has also been publicly critical of Wike on other political and governance issues, including matters concerning Abuja. His latest comments therefore add another layer to an already contentious public debate involving the FCT minister’s camp.
As political activities intensify ahead of 2027, clashes between politicians, their representatives and media personalities are likely to remain a prominent feature of Nigeria’s public conversation.
