Nigerian actor and commentator Yul Edochie has publicly criticised Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni, questioning the broadcaster’s professional conduct in a video that has gained significant traction on social media.
In the viral clip, Edochie directly challenged Oseni’s moral authority to hold powerful figures accountable on his programmes. He referenced a widely reported 2022 incident in Lagos where Oseni was allegedly stopped for driving in a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane. Edochie claimed that when confronted, Oseni responded by asserting his status and threatening to contact the Lagos State governor, only apologising after a video of the encounter circulated online.
“If not because somebody had a video, you could not even apologise. If there was no video, what would have happened?” Edochie stated.
The actor expanded his critique to Oseni’s interview style, accusing him of creating discomfort for guests. “How can you invite somebody and make the guest uncomfortable?” he asked. Edochie contended that a professional host should ease tensions, not suggest a guest is free to leave if dissatisfied. He characterised Oseni’s approach as insulting and confrontational, asserting, “That is not journalism.”
The commentary also touched on national politics, with Edochie defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He urged critics to show respect for the office, stating, “Jagaban President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the President of Nigeria, whether you like it or not. He is our President, you must respect him.” Edochie advocated for patience with the administration, citing the adage “Rome was not built in a day.”
The video highlights a recurring public debate about media ethics and the conduct of journalists in Nigeria. It juxtaposes a celebrity’s personal grievance against a media personality with broader calls for deference to political leadership. The episode underscores how personal conduct allegations can become intertwined with assessments of journalistic practice, particularly within the country’s vibrant social media landscape where such clips rapidly disseminated. The incident may fuel further discussion on the standards of engagement between media hosts and their subjects, and the boundaries of acceptable criticism towards heads of state.
