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A panel session at the 2026 Independence Day edition of The Platform sparked a stir after African Democratic Congress (ADC) Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour opted to answer a question regarding the preservation of the Yoruba language and culture in English.
During the question-and-answer segment, an attendee referenced a previous interview Rhodes-Vivour conducted with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television, questioning the politician on his plans to protect indigenous heritage in Lagos.
Citing examples from nations like China and India, the questioner expressed concern that children in Lagos are increasingly losing fluency in their native tongue.
As Rhodes-Vivour began addressing the inquiry in English, members of the audience interrupted and protested, demanding that he respond in Yoruba.
After briefly calming the rowdy venue, the ADC candidate acknowledged that Lagos is unequivocally Yorubaland and emphasized that language serves as a crucial carrier of culture and heritage.
Shifting his focus to governance, Rhodes-Vivour criticized the current administration's educational policies, alleging that pupils in Lagos schools continue to face corporal punishment and penalties for speaking Yoruba under the label of "vernacular," despite over two decades of governance by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He concluded by suggesting that inquiries regarding cultural preservation in schools be directed toward representatives of the incumbent Lagos State Government who were present at the event.
Those who speak good Yoruba have caused many problems and killed people. What has language got to do with good governance?!