Ayo Mairo-Ese Ends Arise TV Interview With Wike’s Spokesperson After On-Air Outburst Against Rufai Oseni
Ayo Mairo-Ese, an anchor of Arise Television’s Morning Show, abruptly terminated a live interview with Lere Olayinka, spokesperson to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, after the guest refused to answer questions from co-anchor Rufai Oseni and described him as unreasonable during a tense on-air exchange.
The confrontation occurred on Friday, September 4, 2026, as Olayinka appeared on the programme to respond to questions surrounding Wike’s political affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while serving in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led administration.
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Ejes Gist News reports that the interview initially featured questions from veteran journalist Reuben Abati, who sought clarification from Olayinka on statements attributed to the FCT minister.
During the discussion, Olayinka challenged some of the descriptions and interpretations of Wike’s comments, insisting that certain characterisations of the minister’s position were inaccurate.
The exchange became more tense when Oseni began questioning Olayinka about the controversy. Rather than address the questions, the Wike spokesperson directed his criticism at the journalist.
Olayinka said he would not answer questions from Oseni because he did not consider him a “reasonable person,” adding that he would only respond to questions from someone he regarded as reasonable.
Mairo-Ese subsequently intervened and instructed the production team to disconnect Olayinka from the broadcast, abruptly bringing the interview to an end.
The interview had initially proceeded with questions from veteran journalist Reuben Abati, who sought clarification from Olayinka on statements attributed to the FCT Minister.
During that segment, Olayinka challenged some of the descriptions and interpretations of Wike’s comments, insisting that certain characterisations of the minister’s position were inaccurate.
The atmosphere shifted when Oseni commenced his questioning. He pressed Olayinka on Wike’s relationship with the PDP while serving in an APC-led federal government.
Rather than directly addressing the questions, Olayinka focused his response on Oseni and questioned the journalist’s suitability to conduct the interview.
The exchange prompted Mairo-Ese to step in. She directed the production team to cut off the guest, ending the interview while the disagreement was still unfolding.
The incident has since generated widespread reactions on social media, with viewers debating the conduct of both Olayinka and the presenters during the live broadcast.
Omajemite Don Commends Ayo Mairo
Public commentator Omajemite Don commended Mairo-Ese for what he described as a firm response to disrespectful conduct on live television.
Don alleged that Olayinka had developed a pattern of confrontational exchanges with journalists, claiming there was hardly any interview involving the Wike spokesperson in which he did not insult or demean the journalist conducting it.
He further criticised Olayinka’s conduct, arguing that individuals who repeatedly engage in inappropriate behaviour towards journalists should not be given platforms on national television.
Don called on media organisations to ban Olayinka from national television programmes until he demonstrates what Don described as greater respect and professionalism towards journalists.
He stated that disagreements between political representatives and journalists should be handled through reasoned debate rather than personal attacks or remarks directed at interviewers.
The confrontation has drawn attention to professional conduct and media ethics, particularly the manner in which political spokespersons and journalists handle disagreements during live television interviews.
At the time of reporting, neither Arise Television nor Lere Olayinka had released a separate official statement regarding the incident.