Veteran media personality Yeni Kuti and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Segun Sowunmi were caught in a heated exchange on live television during Tuesday’s edition of Your View on TVC, following Sowunmi’s controversial visit to President Bola Tinubu.
Sowunmi, a former spokesman for Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections has been an outspoken critic of Tinubu and his administration. His recent visit to the President’s residence in Lagos raised eyebrows and triggered a wave of mixed reactions online, with many questioning his political loyalty.
During his guest appearance on Your View, Sowunmi was pressed about the visit by Yeni Kuti, one of the programme’s co-hosts and daughter of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. She questioned the apparent change in his stance, asking directly:
“You’ve had a lot of criticism for the president, now your tune seems to have changed (after visit). So when is your own move? When are you leaving the PDP to join APC?”
The question appeared to ruffle Sowunmi, who sharply responded:
“Although I cannot see who is asking those questions, I didn’t come to your programme so you can try to be cheeky with me, stop that.”
Unfazed, Yeni Kuti shot back, asserting her seniority:
“I can’t be cheeky with you because I’m sure that I’m older than you.”
Caught off guard by the comeback, Sowunmi softened his tone, apologizing in an attempt to defuse the tension:
“Oh sister oo! My Aunty! I take that back. Please don’t be angry.”
But Yeni wasn’t having it. With a clapback that instantly trended across social media, she curtly replied:
“I’m not your aunty.”
The exchange, though brief, has since sparked widespread discussion on social platforms, with many praising Kuti for standing her ground and calling out what they perceived as political double-speak. Others, however, defended Sowunmi’s right to engage across political divides, citing the importance of political dialogue.
As questions around party loyalty and political transparency continue to swirl, one thing is clear, when it comes to speaking truth to power or perceived hypocrisy, Yeni Kuti isn’t afraid to raise the heat.
