On December 13, 2024, Arise TV news anchor Rufai Oseni and Lere Olayinka, the spokesperson for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, got into a heated argument during a live interview. The discussion focused on a demolition notice issued by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for a property that belonged to the late Colonel Paul Ogbebor, a former military officer.
The late Colonel’s family has accused Minister Wike of attempting to seize the land, which is valued at N3.5 billion, and give it to one of his associates.
During the interview, Rufai Oseni referred to Wike and the FCT authorities as “you guys” while questioning the conditions they gave to the family. This remark was met with strong disapproval from Lere Olayinka, who found it insulting and criticized Rufai for using such a casual term to address the Minister and officials. The disagreement escalated into a verbal exchange between the two.
The clash highlighted ongoing tensions about the land dispute and the way public figures, especially government officials, are referred to during interviews and discussions.