The resurfacing of an old tweet by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), the Lagos State Labour Party gubernatorial candidate, has sparked outrage on social media. In the tweet, GRV was seen using the Afonja insult against a fellow Yoruba person, which has led to accusations that he is a Biafran sympathizer.
The Afonja insult is a reference to the Yoruba leader, Afonja, who was said to have betrayed his own people by joining forces with the Fulani to overthrow the powerful Oyo Empire in the early 19th century.
The term has since been used as an insult to describe Yoruba people who are perceived as traitors or sellouts.
Many Yoruba people on Twitter have expressed their disappointment in GRV, with some calling for him to withdraw from the gubernatorial race. Some have also accused him of being a hypocrite for using the Afonja insult against fellow Yoruba people while claiming to be a Yoruba leader.
GRV has not yet responded to the backlash on social media.
However, many people on Twitter remain unconvinced and have continued to call for GRV to be held accountable for his actions.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of the language we use and the historical context behind certain terms and insults. It also highlights the power of social media in holding public figures accountable for their words and actions.
Some tweet reads
“GRV can never be the next governor of Lagos state. He’s 100% a Biafran sympathizer. A Yoruba gubernatorial candidate being a Biafra sympathizer and supporter is a big No. Not to mention a ‘Yoruba’ man using Afonja as an insult against another Yoruba knowing the history.
“A guy named ‘Gbadebo that mocks Yoruba with the “AFONJA” insult now wants to be Governor of Lagos State?? 🤡”
“You, a supposed yoruba-man saved this meme on your phone, a well known slur against our tribe, you didn’t let it remain there, you used it against another Yoruba person. I’ve seen a couple of tweets and ignored but this is the height for me. You will never be Governor of Lagos.”
“It’s very funny. Afonja literally means betrayer. How can you possibly be a Yoruba person and use it against your own supposed tribe?”
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