The originator of the viral phrase ‘My Oga at the top,’ Shem Obafaiye, a Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, revealed in a recent interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily that he patented the slogan after its unexpected popularity in 2013.
Reflecting on his experience from a decade ago, Shem recounted the circumstances surrounding the infamous interview that went viral for the wrong reasons.
During that moment in 2014, as the Lagos State Commandant of NSCDC, he was interviewed on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily about the importance of knowing the correct website of the corps to prevent misleading job seekers.
Little did he know that his response would capture nationwide attention, giving rise to a widely-used phrase in daily pidgin English conversations.
On the interview, Obafaiye was asked, “What is the website of the NSCDC?” And he responded, “I cannot categorically tell you one now.” He was asked again, “Do you mean that NSCDC has multiple websites?” He responded, “We can’t have multiple websites but I cannot tell you one now, and my Oga at the top say is another one and the one we are going to make use of will be made known by my Oga at the top.” Many Nigerians considered his response inappropriate and it went viral
The phrase became very popular and is often used in pidgin English to designate anyone with higher authority in Nigeria till date.
On Tuesday, December 19, 2023, marking a decade since his infamous viral interview, Obafaiye Shem returned to Channels TV’s morning program, Sunrise Daily, appearing in casual attire this time.
Obafaiye clarified that his appearance in mufti was due to his retirement from active duty. Additionally, he revealed that his wife had officially patented the “My Oga at the Top” slogan with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry. He emphasized that unauthorized use of the slogan would prompt him to seek compensation.
Acknowledging the psychological toll of the viral interview, Obafaiye admitted to experiencing trauma. However, he shared that, with the passage of years, he now watches and finds amusement in the 2013 interview.
