Drama on Live TV as Umahi, Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni Clash Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

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By Odekunle Doyin

A heated confrontation broke out on Tuesday between the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and Arise Television co-host, Rufai Oseni, during a live broadcast of The Morning Show.

The on-air exchange turned tense after Oseni accused the minister of reporting him to President Bola Tinubu over previous comments and questions about the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Oseni Accuses Umami of ‘Reporting’ Him to Tinubu

The journalist began by confronting the minister over what he described as an attempt to malign him before the president.

“After you have gone to report me to President Tinubu and said all sorts; I’m not beholden to you,” Oseni said during the interview.

“I have empirical evidence, the world watched it when you mentioned the questions I asked you to the president. That was reporting me officially. So, you don’t need to dilly-dally about the empirical facts,” he added.

Umahi Fires Back: ‘You’re Too Small for Me to Report’

Responding sharply, Umahi dismissed the claim, describing Oseni’s allegation as “baseless” and “overinflated.”

“You are too small for me to report to the president. Stop saying I reported you to the President — you’re too small,” the minister retorted.

Tensions escalated when Oseni attempted to ask further questions about the coastal road project, prompting Umahi to cut him off mid-sentence.

“Keep quiet and stop saying what you don’t know. I’m a professor in this field. You don’t understand anything,” Umahi said.

Minister Defends Project, Dismisses Journalist’s Knowledge

Umahi further accused Oseni of lacking technical understanding of road engineering and the project’s scope.

“I can’t only address you on forums like this; I don’t have your time,” the minister said.
“I understand engineering very well. You have no knowledge of what you are asking.”

Oseni Appeals for Calm as Interview Ends Tense

As the confrontation grew heated, Oseni sought to calm the situation, urging the minister to maintain decorum.

“Minister, it’s alright. Keep dignifying yourself and let the world know who you truly are,” he said.

The exchange has since gone viral on social media, sparking public debate over media freedom, public accountability, and the conduct of public officials during interviews.