By George Omagbemi
LAGOS, Nigeria | October 13, 2026. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and ARISE News presenter Rufai Oseni have exchanged sharp words over a controversial social media post allegedly denigrating the Igbo ethnic group.
The dispute resurfaced on October 12 during a media panel in Lagos marking Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Abati’s 20th anniversary in the industry.
Dabiri-Erewa criticised what she described as declining journalistic standards, alleging that Oseni misrepresented her reaction to a social media exchange as an endorsement of an offensive description of Igbo people.
She explained that she had responded with a smiling emoji during an exchange involving an X account she identified as “Voice of Igbos”. She denied personally calling Igbo people “monkeys and gorillas”, accusing the journalist of attributing words to her that she did not use.
“We have to ensure that you hold people responsible, but you must be responsible yourself,” she said, calling for greater accountability in journalism.
Oseni rejected her explanation, arguing that reacting with a laughing emoji to a post denigrating an ethnic group could be interpreted as endorsing its message.
In a post on X, he challenged Dabiri-Erewa to a public debate, insisting he was prepared to defend his position. He also urged her to concentrate on NiDCOM’s responsibilities to Nigerians living abroad.
The controversy highlights the importance of context in interpreting social media interactions and reporting allegations involving ethnic identity.
While Dabiri-Erewa denies making the insulting statement, Oseni maintains that her reaction endorsed offensive content. The original exchange remains central to resolving their disagreement.
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