Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified his congratulatory message to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, following widespread criticism on social media.
Obi, in a goodwill note on Saturday, had described the monarch as “my dear elder brother,” a phrase some Nigerians deemed culturally inappropriate and disrespectful to Yoruba traditional institutions.
Critics, including former presidential aide Reno Omokri, faulted Obi’s choice of words, saying it reflected “a lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish.”
Omokri argued that, “Royal fathers are to be accorded full respect in both private and public communication, and anything short of that breaches protocol.”
Similarly, Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, described Obi’s remark as “cultural ignorance and political arrogance,” stressing that the Olubadan, being much older and a revered monarch, deserved a formal address befitting his throne.
The remarks triggered heated debates online, with many Nigerians divided over whether Obi’s informal style of address was acceptable.
Reacting in a statement shared on his official X handle on Sunday, Obi said his words had been misinterpreted and were never meant to slight the traditional institution.
“Certainly, no disrespect was intended in my goodwill message to His Royal Majesty,” Obi wrote.
“I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.”
He explained that referring to respected figures as “my dear elder brother” was a common expression in his communication, citing his consistent affectionate references to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.
“I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing,” Obi continued. “I respect protocol and authority and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them. However, those who follow me would have noticed that I often use the expression ‘my dear elder brother’ when addressing individuals I hold in high regard.”
He added, “In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”
The clarification comes as Oba Ladoja assumes the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, an occasion that has drawn congratulatory messages from leaders across political and cultural circles.
