Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified his congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, following strong criticism over his choice of words.
The former Anambra governor had on Saturday extended warm wishes to the monarch after his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
However, his message, which described the traditional ruler as “My dear brother,” triggered outrage among Nigerians, especially within the Yoruba cultural space.
Critics said the phrase, while common in Obi’s speeches, was inappropriate and disrespectful when directed at a first-class monarch.
In the message that stirred the controversy, Obi wrote: “I warmly congratulate my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
His ascension to this revered throne is a celebration for the people of Ibadan and a source of pride for the entire Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.”
While many acknowledged the goodwill behind the message, attention quickly shifted to the expression “my dear brother.” Critics argued that such familiarity disregarded the cultural reverence associated with Yoruba monarchs.
The Olubadan, regarded as the custodian of Ibadan traditions and heritage, commands respect that, according to them, should not be watered down by informal language.
Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, was one of the first to react, describing Obi’s choice of words as “lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish.”
According to Omokri, no Yoruba son or daughter would ever casually address the Olubadan in such terms, stressing that traditional rulers deserve both honour and protocol in public references.
Similarly, Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accused Obi of cultural ignorance and political arrogance.
Olayinka maintained that Yoruba monarchs occupy a sacred place in society, and addressing them without due respect amounted to belittling the throne.
The debate gained traction on social media, with many Nigerians echoing the same sentiment. Some argued that Obi, as a presidential hopeful, should demonstrate cultural awareness across the country’s diverse traditions, while others insisted that the controversy was unnecessary, given the politician’s long-standing habit of calling prominent personalities “my brother” or “my elder brother.”
In response to the criticism, Obi issued a statement on Sunday through his official X handle. He clarified that his choice of words was not intended to disrespect the Olubadan or the Yoruba culture but stemmed from a genuine expression of goodwill.
“Certainly, no disrespect intended in my goodwill message to His Royal Majesty. I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
“I respect protocol and authority and try, as much as possible, to adhere to them. Those who follow me know that I often prefer the expression ‘my dear elder brother’ when addressing individuals I deeply respect,” he wrote.
He further explained that he has used similar language in reference to other prominent figures, including the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, noting that his intentions were always rooted in respect.
Obi added that the phrase was a matter of personal style, not a slight to authority. “In all cases, I have never been misunderstood until now, but I take responsibility for the interpretation. My goodwill was untrammelled, and I deeply respect the throne of Ibadan,” he stated.
The clarification comes as dignitaries across Nigeria continue to send congratulatory messages to Oba Ladoja, whose coronation has been widely described as a significant moment for Ibadanland.
