July 13, (THEWILL) — The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 Lagos State election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has announced the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso), drawing an outpouring of condolences from political associates, supporters and well-wishers across Nigeria.
Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the sad news in a statement shared on his official X account on Monday.
The announcement, signed by Olawale Rhodes-Vivour on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude to God for what it described as a life well spent.
“With sadness in our hearts and gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the call to glory of Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso)”, the statement read.
The family described the deceased as “a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother” as well as “the epitome of love”, saying she would be deeply missed by all who knew her.
“She will be sorely missed. May her beautiful soul rest in perfect peace”, the statement added.
The family did not disclose the cause of death or her age but said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
Following the announcement, tributes poured in on social media as political leaders, party members, supporters, friends and admirers expressed condolences to the Rhodes-Vivour family and prayed for strength to bear the loss.
Many described the late Mrs Rhodes-Vivour as a compassionate matriarch whose legacy of love, service and selflessness would continue to live on through her family and the many lives she impacted.
Rhodes-Vivour first gained national prominence during the 2023 Lagos State governorship election, when he contested on the platform of the Labour Party and emerged as one of the leading opposition voices advocating good governance, youth inclusion and political reforms.
He later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and in May 2026, secured the party’s ticket to contest the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.
As of the time of filing this report, the family had yet to announce funeral arrangements but assured that further details would be communicated in the coming days.
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