Lere Olayinka, an aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Friday declined to answer questions from Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni during a live television programme.
Olayinka appeared on The Morning Show but objected to responding directly to Oseni, saying he wanted to engage in a conversation with people he considered reasonable.
The disagreement followed Olayinka’s objection to Oseni’s alleged use of the term “emudani” in describing some individuals.
During the programme, Oseni asked Olayinka why former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, who has faced corruption allegations, was included in the presidential campaign council.
Olayinka did not answer the question directly and instead told Oseni that he would not respond to his questions.
“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 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 ‘emudani’.”
The interview was subsequently discontinued after Olayinka maintained that he would not entertain questions from Oseni.
The incident is not the first public disagreement between the two men.
Olayinka and Oseni have previously clashed over issues including journalism and Oseni’s professional background.
In an earlier exchange, Olayinka questioned Oseni’s qualification as a journalist because he studied Animal Anatomy, while Oseni defended his experience and training in journalism.
Olayinka had also criticised Oseni’s conduct during interviews with public officials, including in 2025 when he accused the broadcaster of failing to observe appropriate standards when addressing guests on television.