Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Labour Party gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State and a prominent opposition figure, has sparked controversy on social media after sharing a list of African Democratic Congress (ADC) local government chairmen in Lagos. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated January 25, 2026, Rhodes-Vivour called for unity against what he described as “bad governance” and urged Nigerians to join the ADC to combat issues like insecurity, economic hardship, and government extravagance.
In his post, Rhodes-Vivour wrote: “This is not the time to be distracted. This is not the time to doubt. This is not the time to give in to divisive narratives and fighting each other, when we all have the same enemy. Regardless of class, ethnicity and ideology, we are united in the suffering that comes with bad governance.”
He highlighted the consequences of the 2023 elections, stating: “2023 has shown that elections can have damaging consequences. It is not theory anymore, it has touched us all.” Rhodes-Vivour pointed to national failures, including the government’s “inability to secure itself or empathize with its most vulnerable – until Trump got involved,” high food and rent prices amid stagnant incomes, and lavish spending on renovations, yachts, jets, and cars. He specifically criticized Lagos State’s annual allocation of “20 billion for cars” and repeated expenditures on solar installations for the presidential complex.
Rhodes-Vivour also accused the government of using “violence and intimidation (from EndSARS to 2023 elections to Lagos ADC declaration) to attempt to suppress and force their rule on the people.” He referenced widespread demolitions in Lagos that have left thousands homeless without compensation or relocation plans.
Describing the current administration as a “Mafia style, thieving, demolition-government, built on lies and propaganda,” Rhodes-Vivour invoked Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, quoting: “As Fela would yap: all they do is bring: ‘Sorrow, tears and blood.'”
He concluded with a call to action: “Let’s join hands to end this plague on our nation in favour of a people first government: one that is accountable and empathetic. One whose priority is improving the livelihood of the majority. Call your chairman today and get involved. 🤝 #ourlagos”
Accompanying the post was an image listing ADC chairmen and their phone numbers for Lagos’ local government areas, though the initial list appeared to miss one entry, totaling 19 instead of the standard 20 local governments in Lagos.
The post quickly drew backlash from netizens who accused Rhodes-Vivour of promoting an ethnic imbalance in the ADC’s leadership. Many pointed out that the list featured a majority of non-Yoruba names, sparking debates over representation in a predominantly Yoruba state.
One user, @Bayo_Bilisi, replied: “Out of 20 local governments, Yorùbás are coordinators in 8 in number… Thank you so much Gbabode,” sarcastically highlighting the perceived underrepresentation.
Another user, @aminu1oladimeji, commented: “7 Igbos, 11 non-yorubas in a 20LG chairman for ADC in Lagos.. You and your people are not ready,, 😂😅.. You can’t even fake the narrative. They are tagging you with a name and you are answering to that name 😂🤣😅”
@oluomoaworiland questioned: “Show a similar list from Enugu, Anambra or Ebonyi with Yoruba names…”
@Malc_OE asked: “Are there no Yorubas in ADC in Lagos? How can you marginalize people in their own state?”
@yonasanwo added: “Why are you using non Yorubas as your reps in a Yoruba state? You still don’t get it do you?”
Other reactions included @Tamani82042767 mocking specific appointments like “Ugo chukwu in ibeju lekki 😂😂,” and @patola58 claiming: “This man want ibo to take over Lagos, can you imagine… He is selling yoruba to the ibos.”
@ComradeOduAke warned: “I’m not going to saw much, I will be posting the ADC local govt chairmen in other regions for the I’m Yoruba but to take a look, many of you won’t realize what’s about to hit you until you’re in total subjugation.”
@OnlyGaspard labeled it “another Igbo agenda 😂 Why is it so difficult for you to gather Yoruba ? This guy never learn.”
In response to the criticism, Rhodes-Vivour posted a corrected list later that day, including the missing Amuwo Odofin entry and slight name adjustments, confirming 20 chairmen. However, the update did little to quell the online uproar, with the original post garnering over 343,000 views, 1,956 likes, and 382 replies by the time of reporting.
The controversy underscores ongoing tensions around ethnicity and politics in Lagos, a diverse megacity where debates over indigeneity and inclusion frequently dominate discourse. Rhodes-Vivour, who has positioned himself as a pan-Africanist and advocate for inclusive governance, has not issued further statements addressing the ethnic concerns directly.
As of January 26, 2026, the debate continues on X, with users divided along ethnic and political lines.