Lere Olayinka clashes with Arise News anchor during live interview

Lere Olayinka, media aide to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, sparked controversy during a live interview on Arise News after refusing to answer questions from anchor Rufai Oseni. The confrontation began when Oseni pressed Olayinka regarding Wike’s stance on the 2027 presidential campaign council and the inclusion of former minister Betta Edu. Olayinka declined to engage with Oseni, stating he preferred to speak with “reasonable human beings” and objecting to the use of the Yoruba term “Gbewudani.”

Following the disagreement, Arise News anchor Ayo Mairo-Ese terminated the interview, noting that guests are expected to engage with all anchors on the program. The incident drew criticism from political analysts Sam Amadi and Akin Osuntokun, who argued that Olayinka missed a vital opportunity to communicate the Minister’s position to the public. Other political figures, including Isaac Fayose, also criticized Olayinka’s conduct as arrogant.

In subsequent discussions, Olayinka defended Wike’s political positions, dismissing claims that the Minister was “treacherous” for supporting President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 election. He also made allegations regarding Peter Obi’s past political funding, claiming Obi provided money to PDP delegates during the 2023 election cycle. In response to the incident, Oseni vowed to continue “speaking truth to power” despite opposition.