Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Advocates for Yoruba Language at Event

During the 2026 Independence Day edition of The Platform, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Lagos State governorship candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was challenged by an audience member to respond to a question regarding the preservation of Yoruba culture and language in Yoruba. The question referenced a recent interview Rhodes-Vivour had with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television, where concerns were raised about Yoruba children in Lagos not speaking the language.

Initially responding in English, Rhodes-Vivour faced protests from the audience, prompting him to address the question in Yoruba. He emphasized the significance of the Yoruba language as a carrier of culture and heritage, stating, "Lagos is Yorubaland." Rhodes-Vivour criticized the state's education system, claiming that students were punished for speaking Yoruba in schools during the 20-plus years of APC governance.

He urged the questioner to direct concerns to representatives of the Lagos State Government present at the event.