Nigerians on social media are reacting to the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour's recent comment that he is not able to speak the Yoruba language fluently.
Speaking in a recent interview on Arise TV, Rhodes-Vivour addressed the criticisms that have surrounded his ability to communicate fluently in his native Yoruba language.
He told the hosts that he has hired a Yoruba teacher because he was interested in learning deeply about the Yoruba language.
The LP candidate stressed that speaking the language will endear him more to the people he intends to govern.
Recall conversations across social media had been hinged on Rhodes-Vivour mixed Yoruba-Igbo heritage with his middle name ‘Chinedu’ becoming a point for his opponents to ridicule his campaign.
See how Nigerians reacted
There are Igbos that don't know how to speak one Igbo but can chew Yoruba as tho it's biscuit. They've never even been to Igbo land, and they even have Yoruba names. IF language IS a yardstick, THEN these "igbos" can contest and be voted for as governor of Lagos... Dey play ooo
— Michael Damian (@PhenomenalMiCH) March 12, 2023
Those who have been governor of Lagos who understand Yoruba,how has that helped Lagos
— Gift (@Gifty_Divine) March 12, 2023
Lol, Lagos is now a joke? A Yoruba man that can speak fluent Igbo but can’t speak the language of people he wants to govern? It is well.
— Oluwagbemiro Diamond???? (@diamonddemola) March 12, 2023
Reading the response from “youths” just shows how tribalism has been passed down successfully.
— Silent Creator (@deepweirdthoug1) March 13, 2023
I hope lagosians will reject this guy on Saturday… none of his documents carried a Yoruba name it’s either Patrick or chinedu..he never for once associate himself with the Yoruba race
— FJ (@FJohn1983) March 12, 2023
For 40years, a SO called Yoruba boy with a Yoruba father could not speak Yoruba despite claiming to be Lagos boy? See him a little after 40 saying he's employed teacher to learn Yoruba from;like?
— ????y???????? (@Ayokiitan1) March 13, 2023
Haven't you been engaging with the indigenous Lagosians all these years? You see????
