Video: Stir as Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour responds to Yoruba question
At the 2026 Independence Day edition of The Platform, a discussion arose after Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Lagos State governorship candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), addressed a question regarding the preservation of the Yoruba language and culture.
The incident transpired during the event’s question-and-answer segment when an attendee inquired about Rhodes-Vivour’s plans to safeguard Yoruba culture, tradition, and language if elected governor. The question referenced a recent interview the candidate had conducted with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television, in which concerns were raised that many children in Lagos were increasingly unable to converse in their indigenous language.
“Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, I have two questions for you. I watched your recent interview, where you spoke about Yoruba culture, tradition, and language. You know Lagos is Yorubaland. Now, what would you do to preserve our culture, tradition, and language?” the attendee asked.
The questioner highlighted examples of countries like China and India, where indigenous languages are actively maintained among children, expressing concern that many youngsters in Lagos struggle with speaking Yoruba.
As Rhodes-Vivour began his response in English, some audience members protested, demanding that he reply in Yoruba. This led to a brief disruption before the ADC candidate managed to restore order and continue his address.
Rhodes-Vivour emphasized that Lagos is indeed Yorubaland and highlighted the significance of language as a vessel for culture and heritage. “Let me start by saying this is Lagos; Lagos is Yorubaland. No doubt about it. Language is important; language carries the culture and heritage of our people,” he stated.
However, he also noted that his focus as a governorship candidate remains on governance. He criticized the state’s education system, alleging that students faced penalties for speaking Yoruba in schools, despite two decades of leadership by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Today, we’ve had over 20 years of APC governance, yet if you speak Yoruba in primary or secondary school, they will say it is vernacular and enforce punishments,” he remarked.
Rhodes-Vivour encouraged the questioner to also voice some of these concerns to the representatives of the Lagos State Government present at the event. “I hope some of those questions would be directed at Lagos State Government representatives that are here,” he added.
