Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has moved to clear the air on the controversy surrounding his congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
In a statement issued, the former Anambra State governor said his remarks were misinterpreted, stressing that he had no intention of undermining the traditional institution or the revered throne of Ibadanland.
Obi explained that his choice of words, which some considered “improper,” was a reflection of his personal style of addressing respected leaders as “my dear elder brother.”
“I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing. I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them,” Obi said.
The former governor further defended his style, noting that he had long referred to the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, in the same manner.
“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill,” he added.
Obi emphasised that his message was purely out of respect and admiration for Oba Ladoja, while urging Nigerians to focus on unity and shared values rather than controversies.
The clarification comes just a day after President Bola Tinubu, governors from the South-West, and other dignitaries attended the historic coronation of Oba Ladoja at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, where he was formally presented with the Staff of Office as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
