Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has responded to a wave of backlash after calling the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, his “brother” in a congratulatory message.
On Saturday, Obi posted a tribute on his official X handle congratulating the 81-year-old monarch on his installation as the 44th Olubadan. In the post, 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.”
However, the post drew criticism from Nigerians who accused Obi of disrespecting Yoruba royal traditions by using the word “brother” instead of “His Royal Majesty.”
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In a follow-up statement on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor said his words were born out of “pure goodwill” and not meant to undermine the throne. “Certainly, no disrespect was intended in my goodwill message to His Royal Majesty,” Obi explained. “I respect protocol and authority, and I try as much as possible to adhere to them.”
He went on to clarify that he frequently refers to respected figures as “my dear elder brother,” citing the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, as another example. “Those who follow me know 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 said.
Obi reassured the public that his congratulatory message to the Olubadan was rooted in affection, not disrespect. “In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill,” he added.
His clarification appears aimed at calming tensions over the perceived slight and reaffirming his respect for traditional institutions across Nigeria.