African Democratic Congress (ADC) Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour faced a lively reaction from the audience during a panel session at the 2026 Independence Day edition of The Platform after he began responding in English to a question about preserving Yoruba language and culture.

The issue arose during the question-and-answer segment when an attendee referenced Rhodes-Vivour’s previous interview with Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television and asked about his plans to protect indigenous language and cultural heritage in Lagos.

Audience demands response in Yoruba

The questioner cited countries such as China and India as examples of societies that have preserved their indigenous cultures, expressing concern that many children in Lagos are gradually losing fluency in Yoruba.

However, when Rhodes-Vivour began responding in English, some members of the audience interrupted him and demanded that he answer the question in Yoruba.

The intervention briefly caused a commotion at the venue before the situation was brought under control.

Rhodes-Vivour speaks on Yoruba identity

Addressing the issue, Rhodes-Vivour acknowledged the cultural significance of Lagos, stating that the state is unequivocally part of Yorubaland.

He also stressed the importance of language as a means of preserving culture, identity and heritage.

The ADC candidate subsequently shifted the discussion towards education and governance, criticising what he described as shortcomings in the state’s educational system.

Candidate criticises alleged treatment of Yoruba in schools

Rhodes-Vivour alleged that pupils in some Lagos schools continue to face corporal punishment or other penalties for speaking Yoruba, with the language reportedly being treated as “vernacular.”

He questioned why such practices would persist despite the APC having governed Lagos State for more than two decades.

The politician concluded by suggesting that questions about the preservation of indigenous culture within the state’s education system should also be directed to representatives of the Lagos State Government who were present at the event.

The exchange has since generated discussion online about Yoruba language preservation, cultural identity, education policy and the role of political leaders in protecting indigenous heritage.