By Abiola Olawale
A tense live exchange erupted on Arise TV’s Morning Show when Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, clashed with co-host Rufai Oseni
Olayinka appeared on The Morning Show on Friday for a right-of-reply segment tied to ongoing debates involving Wike and related political figures.
What began as a discussion quickly turned personal and confrontational.
As Oseni pressed for direct answers and evidence, Olayinka pushed back sharply. He declared he would answer questions on his own terms and stated he had the right not to respond if he chose not to.
In the heated moment, he effectively refused to engage further under pressure, telling the host, in essence, that he would not answer questions forced upon him in that manner.
“Well, I’m very sorry to say this, Oseni Rufai, I don’t want to answer any questions from you. I want to concentrate.
“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 ‘emudani’”, Olayinka said.
However, the clash led to the abrupt end of the interview session
The New Diplomat reports that this is not the first time the two have sparred on air. An earlier December 2024 appearance saw friction when Oseni referred to FCT authorities and the minister as “you guys” while discussing demolitions and land issues in Abuja.
Olayinka called the phrasing insulting and asserted seniority in media work, saying he could “teach” Oseni the job. Oseni pushed back that guests cannot dictate how questions are asked.
