Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 Lagos gubernatorial election, has criticized political elites who use violence and intimidation to gain power.
He argues that such individuals lack the ability to govern with empathy and a focus on public service. These remarks were made public through his official X account last Thursday.
Rhodes-Vivour continued by saying that these elites govern without regard for accountability, aiming to suppress citizens by keeping them in poverty. He pointed out that this style of governance pushes young men towards drug abuse instead of education or employment, while many young women are driven into prostitution or trafficking.
In a direct address to the citizens of Lagos, he said, “A political elite that resorts to violence and intimidation to gain power lacks the ability to govern with compassion and has little interest in serving the people. They rule without accountability, viewing it as an inconvenience, and their primary method is to subjugate citizens by impoverishing them.
“Young men who should be in school or at work are instead falling into drug abuse. Many young women are forced to sell their bodies, while others are trafficked.
“It is distressing to witness the ‘almajarization’ of Lagos in this new ‘Agberocracy’—a reality that would have Pa Awolowo and Jakande turning in their graves.”
Rhodes-Vivour also spoke against tribal bigotry, emphasizing the collective responsibility to fight corruption and injustice.
He added, “Tribal bigotry is merely a significant distraction. You may feel like you belong because you perform for them on social media, but you will always be an outsider—only suitable for the menial tasks. What they ask you to do to your neighbor, they will eventually do to you. For them, it’s not about tribe or Yoruba greatness; it’s simply about looting our common wealth for themselves, their families, and friends. It’s time to wake up.”
