In Lagos political and traditional circles a fresh controversy has emerged after an aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu used the phrase monkey go market while reacting to the attendance of Rhodes Vivour at the coronation of the new Olubadan in Ibadan The comment has stirred debates over its meaning its intent and its wider impact on politics and public decorum .
Context of the Olubadan Coronation
The coronation in Ibadan Oyo State marked the installation of a new Olubadan one of the most respected traditional rulers in Yorubaland Such ceremonies naturally draw prominent guests including political leaders business figures and cultural icons Rhodes Vivour was among those present at the event and his appearance soon became the subject of heated political discussion .
The Remark and Its Meaning
The aide to Governor Sanwo Olu described Rhodes Vivour’s attendance with the expression monkey go market In Nigerian slang the phrase often implies foolishness wasted effort or unnecessary drama By using it the aide suggested that Rhodes Vivour’s presence was misguided opportunistic or poorly judged The remark carried undertones of insult as well as a warning portraying the act as more of a political show than an act of cultural respect .
Also Read : Governor Umo Eno Recounts Emotional Moment of His Wife’s Plea
Interpretations of the Statement
Observers have pointed to several possible interpretations of the aide’s remark .
Political Signaling
The comment may have been intended to delegitimize Rhodes Vivour’s presence at the coronation portraying it as mere political posturing rather than a sincere gesture of tradition or respect .
Questioning Motives
The aide’s use of the phrase implied that Rhodes Vivour may have attended the event with ulterior motives perhaps seeking visibility or positioning ahead of political contests .
Cultural and Social Jibe
By using an idiomatic insult the aide tapped into the power of Nigerian proverbs which often carry layered meanings and sharp undertones The phrase resonated with listeners who understand the cultural weight behind such sayings .
Defensive Posture
The remark could also reflect a sense of defensiveness from the governor’s camp as though to caution others against interpreting Rhodes Vivour’s attendance as a challenge to Sanwo Olu’s influence or political standing .
Public Reaction and Backlash
The comment quickly attracted public attention and reactions were divided .
Some media commentators described the remark as unbecoming of a public official and called it uncivil and inflammatory They argued that such language lowers the quality of political debate and reflects poorly on the governor’s administration .
Among the public many felt the aide crossed a line of decorum They noted that political rhetoric in Nigeria often drifts into insults rather than focusing on issues and governance Some voices called for a retraction or public apology .
On the other side supporters of the governor’s camp defended the aide They argued that public figures often attend ceremonies for reasons beyond respect and tradition and that it was fair to question the intent behind Rhodes Vivour’s actions .
As of now Rhodes Vivour has not made any strong public response Whether he chooses to reply or remain silent could be a deliberate strategy aimed at avoiding escalation .
Broader Lessons for Political Discourse
This incident highlights several recurring features of Nigerian politics .
Symbolic Politics
Attendance at traditional events is not just cultural but also political and every appearance is scrutinized for deeper meanings .
Language as a Weapon
Idioms and proverbs are frequently used as tools in political battles Words can sting as much as actions and in this case monkey go market served as a rhetorical weapon .
From Issues to Personalities
When political aides resort to insults the focus often shifts from governance to personalities reducing the quality of discourse and leaving important issues unattended .
Managing Optics
Public figures must be careful with language because remarks like this tend to shape perception more negatively than positively even if they score points with a particular audience .
What to Watch Going Forward
The situation leaves open several questions Will the aide or the governor’s office retract or clarify the remark Will Rhodes Vivour respond publicly or let the matter fade How will media houses influencers and the public continue to frame the discussion And most importantly will this spark a rethink on the use of derogatory language in Nigerian political culture .
Conclusion
The monkey go market remark aimed at Rhodes Vivour’s attendance at the Olubadan coronation is more than a passing insult It reflects the tensions between culture and politics the weight of language in public life and the combative nature of Nigeria’s political space Whether it leads to apologies responses or further escalation remains to be seen but the episode has once again shown how symbolic acts and careless words can ripple through the landscape of politics and public opinion .