A question on Yoruba culture and language caused a brief stir at the 2026 Independence Day edition of The Platform when Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, was asked to respond in Yoruba.
During the question-and-answer session, an attendee asked what Rhodes-Vivour would do to protect Yoruba culture, tradition and language if elected governor. The questioner mentioned his recent Channels Television interview with Seun Okinbaloye and concerns that many Yoruba children in Lagos can no longer speak the language.
“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 also pointed to China and India, where children still speak their indigenous languages.
Rhodes-Vivour initially answered in English, prompting some people to demand a Yoruba response. He calmed the room and later spoke in Yoruba.
“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.
He said governance remained his main responsibility, while accusing the state education system of punishing pupils for speaking Yoruba despite over 20 years of APC rule.
“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.
He then urged the questioner to raise some concerns with Lagos Government representatives at the event.
