A live television interview on Arise TV descended into chaos on Friday morning after Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, bluntly refused to answer questions from anchor Rufai Oseni, sparking a heated on-air clash that forced the network to abruptly cut the segment short.
Live TV Descends into Chaos
A live television interview on Arise TV descended into chaos on Friday morning after Lere Olayinka, the media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, bluntly refused to answer questions from anchor Rufai Oseni.
The ensuing clash forced the network to abruptly cut the segment short, sparking a flurry of reactions across social and traditional media.
The incident occurred during a live broadcast of the station’s Morning Show. Olayinka, who appeared as a guest, was asked by Oseni to comment on the inclusion of the embattled former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council.
Edu was suspended in early 2024 over corruption allegations and is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“I Don’t Want to Answer Any Question from You”Instead of addressing the question, Olayinka turned his attention to Oseni and declared he would not engage with him.
“Well, I’m very sorry to say this, Oseni Rufai, I don’t want to answer any question from you. I want to concentrate,” Olayinka said.
He further escalated the confrontation by stating his preference to converse only with “reasonable human beings”.
“I want this conversation to be among reasonable human beings, people who will not come and tell, who will not come and describe other people as ‘gbewudani’,” he said.
The term “gbewudani,” is a Yoruba phrase that roughly translates to “a foolish person” or “one who talks nonsense.
“Fellow Anchor Objects, Interview Abruptly Ends
Olayinka’s refusal to engage one of the show’s anchors was met with immediate objection from his co-anchor, Ayo Mairo-Ese.
She reminded Olayinka that he had accepted an invitation to a programme with three anchors and was expected to engage with all of them.
“We take exception to that, Mr Olayinka. Before you came to this show, I’m sure that you are aware that we have three anchors on the show,” Mairo-Ese said.
“Since you are coming to present yourself to the Morning Show, the onus is on you to present yourself to the three anchors, who are here based on their credibility” .
When Olayinka reiterated his position, Mairo-Ese swiftly ended the interview.
“No more questions, since you don’t want to answer. We thank you very much for your time this morning and hope to see you again when you are ready to speak to the three of us,” she said.
A History of Public Disagreements
The clash is the latest in a series of public disagreements between Olayinka and Oseni.
In previous encounters, Olayinka has questioned Oseni’s professional qualifications, noting that he studied Animal science at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Oseni has consistently defended his experience and training in journalism, arguing that the profession draws from multiple disciplines.
In 2025, Olayinka accused the broadcaster of failing to observe appropriate broadcast standards when addressing guests on television.
“He Can’t Push Obi’s Agenda” — Presidency Reacts
The incident quickly attracted a political dimension.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, weighed in on the clash, accusing Oseni and his co-host of lacking objectivity. Bwala suggested that the Arise TV anchors would find it difficult to push the agenda of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), ahead of the 2027 elections.
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“No objectivity, double standard and blackmail are their central motivating factors. It is either you remain objective and avoid blackmail, or you will be forced to end interviews abruptly,” Bwala said.
A Lesson for Nigerian Youths
This live television drama is a stark reminder that accountability and transparency are not optional, even for those in power.
When public officials and their representatives refuse to answer legitimate questions, it raises serious questions about their commitment to good governance.
The same politicians who evade scrutiny will never allow their own children to be treated with such disregard. Their children are taught to demand respect and transparency.
For young Nigerians, the lesson is clear: do not be afraid to ask hard questions. The fight for accountability begins with demanding answers from those in power.
The same politicians who avoid questions will never allow their own children to be denied the truth.
Demand accountability. Ask hard questions. And never allow yourself to be silenced by those who fear the truth.