A brief moment of tension unfolded at the “Ethics of Governance” event at Eko Hotels on October 23, 2025.
Rufai Oseni, a journalist with Arise Television, arrived late for a panel session. After giving his remarks, he greeted guests, including Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa. During their interaction, Dabiri-Erewa questioned Oseni about a post he shared months earlier on X, wrongly suggesting she had insulted Igbos by calling them “monkeys and gorillas.”
Dabiri-Erewa clarified that the offensive comments actually came from an account called “Voice of Igbo,” reportedly run by a woman in Lagos, who used terms like “mother ape” and “bigot” against her. Oseni denied knowing about this and claimed he was unaware of the account’s statements.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that, as a journalist, Oseni should verify information before sharing, especially on platforms prone to misinformation. Oseni tried to explain himself to other attendees, including John Momoh and Mahmud Alli Balogun, insisting he did not make defamatory remarks. However, the exchange left the atmosphere charged.
As Dabiri-Erewa began her panel session, Oseni, looking uneasy, quietly left the venue.