Lere Olayinka, spokesman for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday, clashed with ARISE Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, during a live programme.
Olayinka appeared on The Morning Show but objected to engaging directly with Oseni, saying he preferred to have a conversation with people he considered reasonable.
The disagreement reportedly arose after Olayinka took exception to Oseni’s alleged use of the term “gbewudani” in describing some individuals.
Gbewudani is a Yoruba slang that means a submissive man, a puppet, or a weak husband who has lost authority in his home or lets his wife run things completely.
During the programme, Oseni asked Olayinka to explain why former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, who has faced corruption allegations, was included in the presidential campaign council.
Rather than respond to the question, Olayinka turned his attention to Oseni and said he would not answer questions from 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.
Arise Ends Interview After Wike’s Aide Refuses Rufai Oseni’s Questions
I don’t want to answer any question from you Oseni Rufai. I want this conversation to be among reasonable human beings. People who won’t describe other people as ‘Gbewudani’.
- Lere Olayinka, media aide to… pic.twitter.com/4VqkcjlXzZ
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) September 4, 2026
He added, “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’.”
The latest confrontation adds to the history of public disagreements between Olayinka and Oseni.
The two have clashed on previous occasions, including over the definition of journalism and Oseni’s professional background.
In an earlier confrontation, Olayinka questioned Oseni’s qualification as a journalist because he studied Animal Anatomy, while Oseni defended his experience and training in journalism.
Olayinka has also previously criticised Oseni’s conduct during interviews, including his exchanges with public officials. In 2025, he accused the broadcaster of failing to observe appropriate standards when addressing guests on television.
Meanwhile, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has reacted to the face-off between has reacted to the new face-off between Rufai and Olayinka.
Reacting in a post on X, Bwala wrote: “The Obidient anchors (@ruffydfire and @ayomairoese) on Arise News morning show would find it tough to push Peter Obi’s agenda this election cycle because they have been found out.
“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.
“The wind don blow, and we dey see. Thank you @OlayinkaLere for holding them to account.”