Lagos transport union leader, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has responded sharply to criticisms over his spoken English, stating that his life achievements speak louder than grammar.
The response came after a video of him mispronouncing “kudos” as “kundus” went viral on social media, with many Nigerians mocking his command of the English language. In the video, taken during a recent public event, MC Oluomo addressed the backlash, making it clear that he places value on results, not perfect pronunciation.
In his words, “They said I said Kundus. Is Kundus not my son? You’re educated, but what have you achieved? Let them go and compete with my children. I raised my kids in wealth. They are citizens of America and the United Kingdom.”
He continued, “I wasn’t educated, but I worked hard. English is not my mother tongue — Yoruba is. Kundus, kudos, what’s the difference? What do you want to hear?”
The comments have since sparked a debate online, with some supporting MC Oluomo for owning his background and success, while others argue that public figures should strive to improve their communication skills, especially in official settings.
MC Oluomo’s story is a familiar one in Lagos. He began his journey in the informal transport sector as a bus conductor, eventually rising through the ranks of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Today, he serves as the chairman of the Lagos State Parks and Garages Management Committee — a position of influence within the state’s transport system.
Though he lacks formal education, his influence in Lagos politics and society is significant. He has long been a grassroots mobiliser and is known for his close ties to political figures within the state.
His critics, however, have frequently pointed to his limited formal education as a reason he should not hold certain public-facing positions. The recent video provided fresh fuel for his detractors, many of whom argue that such roles demand a higher level of professionalism, including effective communication.
But for MC Oluomo, his accomplishments are better measured by the lives he has touched and the future he has secured for his family.
“My children live well. They’re doing fine abroad. What’s your own success story?” he asked rhetorically in the video. The statement was a direct jab at those who had made jokes at his expense, with Oluomo suggesting that mocking his English ignores the bigger picture of his journey.
In a society where formal education is often viewed as the key to success, MC Oluomo’s climb to influence through street smarts and political networking presents a different model — one that resonates with many everyday Nigerians who face similar challenges.
Following his remarks, Nigerians took to social media to express mixed reactions. While many acknowledged that English proficiency is not a measure of intelligence or success, others emphasized that leaders in public roles must still strive to communicate clearly and professionally.
“He’s right. English is a colonial language. What matters is what you do with your life, not how you pronounce ‘kudos’,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user wrote, “Being proud of bad English as a public figure is not the flex people think it is. If you’re addressing the public, at least get the basics right.”
Others highlighted the irony of the situation — while mocking a slip in English may seem harmless to some, it underscores deeper issues of classism, elitism, and how society perceives success.
MC Oluomo’s response also sparked a broader conversation about language and identity in Nigeria. With over 500 languages spoken across the country, English remains the official language, used in education, business, and governance. However, many Nigerians grow up speaking indigenous languages at home, learning English formally only in school — if they have access to one.
As a result, linguistic errors or heavy accents are common, especially among people from less privileged backgrounds. For some, being mocked for “bad English” is a painful reminder of systemic inequalities.
MC Oluomo’s statement — “English is not my mother tongue, Yoruba is” — is being celebrated by some as a powerful expression of pride in local culture, especially in a country where Western standards still dominate public expectations.
The incident raises an ongoing debate about what qualities truly matter in leadership. Should the focus be on communication skills, formal education, or results and grassroots impact?
For MC Oluomo, the answer is clear. “I worked hard to get to that level,” he said, referring to his achievements and the opportunities he has created for his family. His point is that success is not limited to formal qualifications or how well one speaks English.
In a country where millions struggle with unemployment, poor infrastructure, and lack of access to education, MC Oluomo’s story resonates with those who believe in hard work, determination, and alternative routes to success.
As the conversation continues, MC Oluomo remains a polarising figure — admired by many for his rise from humble beginnings and criticised by others for what they see as a lack of refinement in his leadership.
But love him or hate him, his message is clear: he may mispronounce “kudos,” but in his eyes, the true measure of success lies not in grammar, but in legacy.
