The Platform: Audience Protests as Rhodes-Vivour Answers Yoruba Question in English

A question on the preservation of Yoruba culture and language sparked a brief protest at the 2026 Independence Day edition of The Platform in Lagos after ADC governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour began responding in English.

The exchange happened during the question-and-answer session of the event after an attendee asked Rhodes-Vivour to explain how he would protect Yoruba culture, tradition and language if elected governor of Lagos State.

The attendee referenced Rhodes-Vivour’s recent interview with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television and raised concerns about the ability of children in Lagos to speak Yoruba.

“Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, I have two questions for you. I watched your recent interview with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels TV, where you spoke about the 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 further pointed to China and India as examples of countries where indigenous languages remain widely spoken among children, while expressing concern about the declining use of Yoruba in Lagos.

Rhodes-Vivour’s decision to respond in English prompted some members of the audience to protest, with calls for him to answer the question in Yoruba.

The situation briefly became rowdy before Rhodes-Vivour calmed the audience and proceeded with his response.

The ADC candidate acknowledged the importance of Yoruba and described language as an important vehicle for preserving 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 said.

Rhodes-Vivour, however, said his role as a governorship candidate was primarily centred on governance.

He went on to allege that pupils in Lagos schools had been discouraged or punished for speaking Yoruba, despite what he described as over 20 years of APC governance in the state.

“Today, we’ve had 20-something years of the APC governance but till now, if you speak Yoruba in primary schools or secondary school, they will say it is vernacular and they beat and punish you,” he said.

Rhodes-Vivour then urged the questioner to also direct some of the concerns to representatives of the Lagos State Government who attended the event.

“I hope some of those questions would be directed at Lagos State Government representatives that are here,” he added.

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