When Desmond Elliott,released his campaign posters and included "Olushola" as one of his names, he was criticized for playing pranks trying to act Yoruba so he could contest for a seat in the House of Assembly.

In a recent interview, the actor/producer cum politician has however defended his name.
"I am from Lagos state. My father is from Olowogbowo on Lagos Island but my mother is from Delta state. I refer to myself as being a Pan-African. People don't believe I am a Lagosian because I seldom act in Yoruba movies. And I didn't include the Shola in my name. Then because my surname is also English, many couldn't differentiate which made people confused about where I am actually from. I am very detribalised. People of my constituency know my story and know where I come from. I have always used Shola in my primary school days. I went to Air Force Primary School in Plateau and later attended St John's College, both in Jos. I proceeded to Lagos State University where I studied Economics and graduated in 2003″.