By Abanikanda Olumoro (UK)
CITIZENS COMPASS— I recently came across a report concerning an incident in Nigeria that touches an area close to my heart—Lagos State. It relates to the response of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s media team to a supposed report circulating online about his visit to the Ooni of Ife on Monday, April 28, 2025. Rhodes-Vivour is the recently installed Obalefun of Lagos and was the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections.
According to the misleading reports, some individuals—likely acting in the interest of political rivals—claimed on their blogs that Rhodes-Vivour was kicked out of the Ooni’s palace. How absurd!
It’s unfortunate that Nigeria’s current political atmosphere is increasingly driven by propaganda. This is dangerous—not just for the country, but also for those who sponsor such narratives. Propaganda, no matter how high-flying, is only effective for a short time; the truth always surfaces.
But one must ask: do these political operatives and their backers truly need to resort to such antics at this point in our national journey?
The popularity and respect that Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour commands in Lagos is not a result of money, coercion, or manipulation. It is the product of genuine connection, goodwill, and a heart for the people.
Gbadebo, the son of Mr. Olawale Rhodes-Vivour—a proud Lagosian—and an Igbo mother, is a gentleman of a truly detribalized nature. He relates to all Nigerians regardless of ethnic or religious background. It is no wonder he is admired by citizens from all walks of life—Yoruba, Hausa-Fulani, Igbo—Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists alike.
The support he enjoys among Lagos residents, both indigenes and settlers, stems from their belief that he represents religious tolerance, ethnic inclusion, and economic opportunity. They trust that under his leadership, their businesses, cultures, and beliefs would be respected and protected.
This is the real reason behind his popularity—something that cannot be replicated or defeated by smear campaigns. Those who tried ethnic profiling against him in the 2023 elections failed, and attempting the same strategy again is bound to flop. Their latest stunt—claiming he was rejected by the Ooni of Ife—is a fabrication born purely out of desperation.
When I first saw the response from Rhodes-Vivour’s media team, I questioned whether it was necessary. But on reflection, I agree it was important. In a society where lies, if left unchecked, are often mistaken for truth, it’s essential to set the record straight.
I also concur with their assertion that the Ooni of Ife is a revered traditional figure—not a politician—and that any visit to his palace should not be politicized, regardless of the visitor’s political affiliation.
To those who say “Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour is Igbo and therefore cannot govern Lagos State,” I say: it’s time such individuals are made to prove their claims in court. We must move away from careless, politically motivated statements that sow division.
Coincidentally, on the same day, I read the misrepresentation about Rhodes-Vivour, I also read about how Lere Olayinka—spokesman to Nyesom Wike—was unable to provide evidence on Arise TV’s The Morning Show to back his claim that veteran journalist Otunba Dele Momodu is on the payroll of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
It is deeply concerning that followers of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are increasingly associated with rumor-mongering and the spread of fake news. Some even circulate hate speech online against respected figures like Burkina Faso’s young and promising president, Ibrahim Traoré.
How tragic that despite widespread suffering—hunger, poverty, economic hardship—some still find time to participate in divisive and baseless political propaganda.
To those who doubt Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour’s right to leadership in Lagos: your doubts make no difference to me or any right-thinking Nigerian, whether here in the UK or back home. To the electorate in Lagos, I say this—be courageous. Prepare to stand firm in the face of whatever tactics the ruling party may employ in the next election.
This time, let no one hide behind institutional cover to unleash political thuggery. Our judiciary must also rise to the occasion and uphold justice—for the good of the people and the love of the country.
