Lagos Governorship Hopeful Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Admits He Can't Speak Yoruba, Hires Tutor

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Nigeria, has publicly acknowledged that he cannot speak Yoruba, the predominant language of the state. In an interview with Arise TV approximately four weeks ago, Rhodes-Vivour stated that he has hired a teacher to instruct him in the Yoruba language, a move aimed at addressing a perceived gap in his cultural connection with the electorate.

The admission has drawn attention given Lagos's status as a Yoruba-majority state, where language fluency is often seen as a marker of cultural identity and grassroots connection. Rhodes-Vivour's comment was accompanied by a Yoruba proverb: 'Àdàgbà kọ ilà, lílé ní í lé,' which translates roughly to 'tribal marks made in adulthood come out as...'—suggesting a late but earnest effort to embrace the language. The statement has ignited discussions about the role of language in political representation and the complexities of identity politics in Nigeria's most populous city.

Political analysts suggest that while Rhodes-Vivour's move may be viewed as a genuine attempt to engage with Yoruba culture, it could also be exploited by opponents to question his authenticity as a Lagosian. The development is likely to resonate with voters who prioritize cultural affinity, and it remains to be seen how it will impact his campaign in the lead-up to the governorship election. Rhodes-Vivour's team has not yet issued further comments on the matter.