Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is facing criticism after describing the newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as “my dear brother” in a congratulatory message.
Obi, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), hailed the monarch’s ascension, saying: “I 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 choice of words has sparked controversy, with many Yoruba voices accusing the former Anambra governor of failing to observe cultural protocols in addressing a revered monarch.
In a statement posted on X, former presidential aide Reno Omokri condemned Obi’s remark, describing it as culturally insensitive and lacking diplomatic tact.
“The 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, is a royal father. Therefore, he should not be flippantly addressed as ‘my dear brother,’” Omokri said.
He added that Ibadan’s throne predates colonialism and deserves utmost reverence: “This is not some warrant chief created by the British. The Olubadan is a first-class king, a warrior monarch, and kabiyesi — one who cannot be questioned.”
Omokri further argued that Obi would not address an emir in similar terms, suggesting the comment revealed why the former LP flagbearer is “not a fit and proper person” to be Nigeria’s president.
“Can you, Peter Obi, refer to an emir as ‘my dear brother’? Of course not! What you cannot do with an emir, please, do not try it with the Olubadan,” he said.
Similarly, Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, also faulted Obi’s comment, calling it “disrespectful” and a sign of “cultural ignorance.”
In a series of posts, Olayinka contrasted the ages and experiences of both men to stress the impropriety of Obi’s remark.
“Mr One Shoe alias Agbotikuyo is 64. The Olubadan is 81. Oba Ladoja became governor of Oyo State in 2003; Obi became governor of Anambra in 2006. Can you refer to someone who is 17 years older than you and a monarch, as ‘my brother’?”
He added: “Can Peter Obi call the Obi of Onitsha his brother? Can he address President Obasanjo as his brother?”
The debate has since gone viral on social media, with many Nigerians split between defending Obi’s informal style and insisting that Yoruba royal traditions demand stricter observance of respect in language.
