Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni has vowed to continue speaking truth to power, following an on-air altercation with Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, during a live broadcast on Friday.
In a post on his verified X handle, Oseni thanked Nigerians for the messages of support and calls he received after the incident. The clash occurred on Arise Television’s “The Morning Show,” where Olayinka refused to answer Oseni’s question on the inclusion of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Betta Edu in a presidential campaign council, despite corruption allegations against her.
Rather than respond, Olayinka took issue with Oseni’s earlier use of the Yoruba expression “Gbewudani” and declared he would not answer questions from the anchor. “I don’t want to answer any question from you, Oseni Rufai. I want this conversation to be among reasonable human beings,” he said. Fellow anchor Ayo Mairo-Ese intervened, reminding Olayinka that the programme had three anchors and that guests should expect questions from any of them. When Olayinka continued to refuse to engage with Oseni, the interview was abruptly ended.
Reacting to the fallout, Oseni said his resolve to speak out was shaped by historical examples of Nigerians who faced opposition while championing the interests of ordinary citizens. He cited the late labour leader Pa Michael Imoudu, who, during the 1945 general strike, faced resistance not only from colonial authorities but also from Nigerians who benefited from colonial rule.
According to Oseni, this history shows that some people support their own oppressors because they benefit from the system. “It takes a trained mind to see oppression. I will continue to speak truth to power despite opposition from people benefiting from the ruination of Nigeria. We will never agree and we ought not to,” he said.
