Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has put political rivalries aside to commiserate with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, following the death of his mother, Mrs. Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso). In a heartwarming show of solidarity and statesmanship, the governor sent a personal condolence message on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, urging the Rhodes-Vivour family to find solace in the beautiful, exemplary life lived by their late matriarch.
The transition of the late Mrs. Rhodes-Vivour was officially announced in a moving family statement shared on Monday, July 13, 2026, by her son Gbadebo via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Signed by his brother, Olawale Rhodes-Vivour, the family tribute described their beloved mother as a deeply gentle spirit, a loving wife, a devoted grandmother, and the absolute “epitome of love” who fiercely protected and nurtured those around her.
Reacting to the sad development, Governor Sanwo-Olu released a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, expressing deep sympathies to the entire family.
“On behalf of my family, the government and good people of Lagos State, I sympathise with Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, his siblings, and other family members on the demise of Mrs. Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour,” the governor’s statement read. “The death of a loved one is painful, but we must take solace in God in a life well lived by the deceased. I know this is a painful loss to the Rhodes-Vivour family, as the late matriarch will be sorely missed for the elderly and wise counsel she was known for.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu further prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and asked God to grant the entire grieving household the divine fortitude to bear the heavy loss. The family has indicated that funeral arrangements to celebrate her life will be announced shortly.
