“Dem No Born Him Well”: Arise TV’s Rufai Oseni Dares IGP to Cut Seyi Tinubu’s Security
- Rufai Oseni challenged the Inspector General of Police to cut security protection for Seyi Tinubu following Wole Soyinka's criticism of his heavy convoy
- The debate referenced activist Omoyele Sowore's claims that Seyi Tinubu wields more power than top security chiefs combined
- Social media users shared mixed reactions to Oseni's bold on-air statement about the president's son
- A Nigerian public affairs analyst, who does not want his name published, faulted Rufai Oseni’s choice of words on live TV
Rufai Oseni, co-host of Arise News' The Morning Show, publicly dared Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to reduce the security attached to Seyi, President Bola Tinubu's son.
The challenge came after Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka condemned the heavy security convoy surrounding the president's son amid rising insecurity across Nigeria.
Source: Instagram
Oseni's reaction aired on live television and quickly went viral across social media platforms.
Legit.ng recently reported that Prof. Soyinka criticised the large security detail protecting Seyi Tinubu while ordinary Nigerians face kidnappings and banditry daily.
Prof. Wole Soyinka, Africa's first Nobel laureate in literature, regularly intervenes in Nigerian public debates and often warns against impunity and excesses by those in power.
The Nobel laureate described it as obscene for the president's son to move with such protection while citizens remain exposed to danger.
Oseni responded by directly challenging security agencies over what he considers an abuse of state resources for political families.
Using the phrase "Dem no born him well," he dared the authorities to take action.
His bold style and use of street-level language sparked widespread conversation online.
Dr. Reuben Abati and other TV presenters were present during the show.
Watch the video here:
Sowore makes claims about Seyi Tinubu
During the broadcast, reference was made to claims by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
Sowore had recently alleged that Seyi Tinubu wields more power than Nigeria's top security chiefs combined.
Source: Instagram
In his posts on Instagram and Facebook, Sowore wrote:
"Seyi Tinubu ordered the detention of NANS President Atiku Abubakar Isah by the DSS for months after he was allegedly brutalised by Seyi Tinubu’s thugs. It took intense pressure and sustained intervention to secure his release. Seyi Tinubu wield more power than the IGP, CDS, DSS, and NSA combined, #an unelected authority operating above the law.”
The activist's claims added fuel to the ongoing debate about elite privilege in Nigeria.
Oseni's challenge to the IGP appeared to build on these allegations.
Soyinka's criticism taps into public frustration over insecurity and inequality in protection.
Reactions as Rufai Oseni dares IGP
Legit.ng compiled the reactions of netizens below:
@folatush01 said:
"I'm not supporting the government o but hope the words rufai is using is not that hard for a igp that them no born am well for me rufai should be professional he always forget his job do you have personal beef with seyi or the igp? If not for hate why will u say they should withdraw security for a whole president son like how??"
@ndubass commented:
"The IGP works for Presido Na. Haba😂😂😂"
@statefilmz_ opined:
"E be like dem no nominate baba person for Ambassador lol 😂😂!! Script wun change lol 😂😂😂"
@benny.chuks.9 said:
"This is the same country they keep telling us to have hopes. The journey is not even started yet 😂😂😂😂😂"
@olakanmi200 commented:
"I don't understand rufai and the rest. Is Seyi not member of the first family again? He is entitled to police, DSS even Amotekun as security. O ga ooo."
@michael_neft_properties_abuja said:
"Na only for Africa individuals dey more powerful than institutions of the govt, the people y'all claimed spoilt Africa donee practice such embarrassing politics"
Rufai’s words are unprofessional – Analyst
A Nigerian public affairs analyst who does not want his name published faulted Rufai Oseni’s choice of words on live TV. He explained that Oseni's delivery fell short of journalistic standards.
He said:
"Rufai Oseni’s passion is undeniable, but as a journalist and TV anchor, the choice of words like ‘Dem no born am well’ is unprofessional. Journalists are expected to challenge authority with facts and reasoned arguments, not street slang or words that can be seen as provocative or insulting. Journalists must hold power accountable, but they should do so in a way that strengthens credibility and keeps the debate focused on issues, not personalities."
Oseni faces backlash over comments on Super Eagles
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Rufai Oseni faced serious backlash after reacting to the Super Eagles' training boycott.
He questioned Nigerians for criticising Mikel Obi after the footballer exposed the corruption in Nigerian football.
Rufai made the comments following the Super Eagles' refusal to train due to unpaid allowances.
The Arise TV anchor's comments on the national team's issues sparked heated debates among Nigerian football fans online.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
