Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has vowed to continue holding those in authority accountable despite criticism and opposition to his views.
Oseni made the declaration while reacting to the controversy that followed a heated exchange between him and Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a live edition of The Morning Show on Friday.
In a post on his verified X account, the journalist thanked Nigerians who reached out to him with messages of support following the incident.
The disagreement began when Oseni asked Olayinka to comment on the inclusion of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, in a presidential campaign council despite corruption allegations involving her.
Olayinka declined to answer the question and instead challenged Oseni over his previous use of the Yoruba expression, “Gbewudani.”
He subsequently told the anchor that he would not respond to questions directed at him by Oseni.
“I don’t want to answer any question from you, Oseni Rufai. I want this conversation to be among reasonable human beings,” Olayinka said.
His refusal prompted intervention from another presenter on the programme, Ayo Mairo-Ese, who reminded him that The Morning Show has three anchors and that guests should be prepared to respond to questions from any of them.
Olayinka, however, maintained his position and declined to engage Oseni, leading to the early termination of the interview.
Reacting to the incident, Oseni said his determination to challenge perceived injustice would not depend on whether his views were popular or attracted opposition.
He cited the experience of the late labour leader, Pa Michael Imoudu, during the 1945 general strike, arguing that individuals who challenge entrenched systems often face resistance from both those in authority and people who benefit from the existing order.
“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,” Oseni said.
“For those benefiting from the ruination of Nigeria, we will never agree, and we ought not to.”
The exchange has continued to generate reactions on social media, with discussions largely centred on the conduct of television interviews, the responsibility of journalists to hold public officials and their representatives accountable, and the boundaries of disagreement during live broadcasts.
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