Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has addressed criticisms over his congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, in which he referred to the monarch as his “brother.”
Obi had earlier posted a statement on his official X handle, celebrating the 81-year-old royal’s installation as the 44th Olubadan. He 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.”
However, the wording drew mixed reactions, with some Nigerians accusing the former Anambra State governor of disrespecting Yoruba tradition by addressing the monarch as “brother” rather than “father.”
Responding in a follow-up statement on Sunday, Obi stressed that no slight was intended, explaining that the expression was a sign of affection and respect for the monarch
“Certainly, no disrespect was intended in my goodwill message to His Royal Majesty. I felicitates with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja,” he said.
Obi added that he has a long-standing habit of calling respected acquaintances “elder brother,” citing the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, as another example.
“Those who follow me would have noticed that I often prefer to use the expression ‘my dear elder brother’ when addressing individuals, especially those close to me and for whom I have tremendous respect,” he explained.
“In matters of misunderstanding, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”
Obi also reaffirmed his respect for traditional protocols and authority, insisting that his congratulatory message was purely out of goodwill and admiration for the new Olubadan.
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