I’ve learnt Yoruba, can now campaign in language Rhodes Vivour

By Blessing Fali

Lagos State governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has said he has learnt Yoruba and can now campaign in the language ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Rhodes-Vivour made the statement during an interview on Arise TV, where he said he had engaged a Yoruba teacher to improve his proficiency in the language.

He said language and culture were important, but his major concern remained addressing challenges affecting Lagos residents, including flooding, housing and traffic congestion.

During the interview, Rhodes-Vivour also responded in Yoruba after a presenter greeted him in the language, saying, “Mo ki gbogbo yin,” meaning “I greet all of you.”

His latest comments revisit the debate over his Yoruba fluency during the 2023 Lagos governorship election, when his ability to speak the language became a subject of public discussion.

Rhodes-Vivour contested the 2023 election under the Labour Party and finished third. He is now seeking the ADC governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election.