Dabiri-Erewa, Rufai Oseni Trade Words Over Alleged Igbo Insult

According to report by Nigerian Tribune on Monday, October 12, 2026, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and ARISE Television presenter, Rufai Oseni, have engaged in a public disagreement over journalistic ethics and a social media post involving comments about the Igbo ethnic group.

The dispute began during a panel discussion in Lagos on Saturday to commemorate media personality Kike Abati’s 20 years in journalism. Dabiri-Erewa criticised what she described as irresponsible reporting, accusing some journalists of publishing or broadcasting claims without properly verifying facts.

She specifically referred to Oseni, alleging that he misinterpreted her reaction to a social media post and wrongly portrayed her as supporting an offensive description of the Igbo.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, she had responded with a smiling emoji to a post by a user she identified as Stephanie, who reportedly operated an X account called “Voice of Igbos.”

She explained that her reaction was subsequently interpreted by Oseni as support for a post allegedly describing Igbo people as “monkeys and gorillas.”

Dabiri-Erewa denied endorsing such a description and expressed concern about what she considered a decline in professional standards within the media industry.

However, Oseni rejected her explanation. In a series of posts on X, he accused the NiDCOM chairperson of avoiding accountability and argued that using a laughing emoji in response to content attacking an ethnic group could reasonably be interpreted as endorsement.

The television presenter also criticised Dabiri-Erewa for raising the disagreement publicly, urging her to concentrate on her responsibilities at NiDCOM and issues affecting Nigerians in the diaspora.

Oseni further challenged her to a public debate, insisting that he was prepared to defend his interpretation of the controversial social media exchange.

The disagreement has consequently drawn attention to broader questions about responsible journalism, social media reactions and the need for public figures and media practitioners to exercise caution when commenting on sensitive ethnic issues.

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