On October 11, 2026, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and Rufai Oseni, co-host of Arise Television’s The Morning Show, trade words over allegation of irresponsible journalism and one controversial social media post.
The exchange start after Dabiri criticise declining journalistic standards for one panel session in Lagos on Saturday. The event mark Kike Abati’s 20th anniversary in media industry.
Dabiri accuse some journalists say dem abandon professional values. She recount how Oseni allegedly misinterpret her response to one social media post as endorsement of offensive description of Igbo people.
She talk say controversy begin after she respond with smiling emoji to post by one social media user she identify as Stephanie, who allegedly operate one X account under name ‘Voice of Igbos’.
According to Dabiri, Oseni later accuse her say she describe Igbo people as ‘monkeys and gorillas’.
She quote: ‘Somebody replies to her. Then I do a smiley. And then Rufai Oseni comes and says, Abike Dabiri calls everybody — Igbos — monkeys and gorillas.’
Dabiri maintain say she no make the statement wey dem attribute to her, and she fault journalists for amplifying claims without exercising due responsibility.
She talk: ‘We have to ensure that you hold people responsible, but you must be responsible yourself. So we will not accept irresponsible journalism.’
The NiDCOM chairperson add: ‘And let me tell you, some journalism is going to the dogs. There’s no journalism anymore. There are no standards. There are no values.’
Oseni fire back. For series of posts on X, Oseni accuse Dabiri say she use the public event attack him instead of addressing issues wey affect Nigerians wey dey abroad.
He write: ‘Abike Dabiri is more concerned about attacking Rufai Oseni in public instead of doing her job.’
The journalist also reject Dabiri explanation of the social media controversy. He insist say her use of laughing emoji amount to endorsing one post wey denigrate ethnic group.
He talk: ‘You are guilty as charged. How can you share a laughter emoji at a post that denigrates a tribal group? I put it to you, your laughter here was an endorsement of a denigrating tweet against a certain ethnic group.’
Oseni challenge Dabiri to public debate, saying he ready to defend him position.
He write: ‘Your problem is you can’t stand the truth. I will like to challenge you to a debate on this issue where I will speak the truth to your face and prove to the world you endorse bigotry.’
He also urge the NiDCOM chairperson to focus on the commission responsibilities rather than their public disagreement.
