The Obalefun Media Team has refuted fake news that the Obalefun of Lagos, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, was sent out when he visited the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Monday, April 28, 2025.
A statement by the Media Team on Thursday said, contrary to the rumour, Rhodes-Vivour “was warmly received upon his arrival. He was accorded due respect and was respectfully ushered into the presence of His Imperial Majesty, Ojaja II.”
Read the statement below:
It has come to our attention that the visit of the Obalefun of Lagos, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Monday, April 28, 2025, is being misrepresented by certain politically motivated bloggers.
We have received numerous phone calls from well-meaning Yoruba and non-Yoruba friends of this Lagos-born son of the soil, expressing concern over the false narrative being circulated — that he was allegedly sent out of the Ooni’s palace during the visit.
While we do not wish to engage in unnecessary exchanges, we want to reassure supporters, friends, and fellow indigenous Lagosians who regard Rhodes-Vivour as their only authentic symbol of renewed hope — a hope capable of leading them to their desired socio-cultural and economic future — that there is no truth to these claims.
Let it be clear: At no point will the Obalefun be distracted from his commitment to the people of Lagos by malicious and mischievous rumours from those who seek to sow discord.
It is, therefore, important to categorically debunk and dismiss the misinformation that he was kicked out of the Ooni’s palace. Such claims are not only false, wicked, and devoid of the Yoruba spirit, but also constitute a grave disrespect to the revered position of the Ooni, the custodian of the customs and traditions of The Source.
For the avoidance of doubt, Obalefun Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a respected Yoruba son from the IBILE Eko of the Popo Aguda area of Lagos Island, was warmly received upon his arrival. He was accorded due respect and was respectfully ushered into the presence of His Imperial Majesty, Ojaja II.
They engaged in fruitful discussions, the meeting ended on a cordial note, and the guest departed the palace peacefully and returned safely to Lagos. It is important to note that the Ooni of Ife is not a politician, and no political foot soldier or so-called political commander should politicize any audience granted to a bona fide Yoruba son or daughter from any part of the South-West.
Signed:
Media Team of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (Obalefun of Lagos)
Thursday, May 1, 2025
