Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is facing mounting backlash after referring to the newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as “my dear brother” in a congratulatory post.
Obi had, on Saturday, posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) congratulating Oba Ladoja on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. In his 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.”
The congratulatory message, however, drew immediate criticism from prominent Nigerians who accused Obi of cultural insensitivity and a lack of respect for Yoruba traditions.
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Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, led the charge by berating Obi for what he called “a denigration of the Olubadan.” In a post on X, Omokri wrote:
“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 highlighted the historical importance of the Olubadan throne, stating it predates colonial rule and represents a revered institution in Yoruba history. He also questioned whether Obi would have addressed a northern emir in similar terms.
“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,” Omokri added.
Similarly, Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, condemned Obi’s choice of words. In a series of posts, Olayinka described the comment as culturally ignorant and politically arrogant. He argued that Oba Ladoja, 81, is significantly older than Obi, 64, and should not be addressed in such familiar terms.
“Can Mr One Shoe address the Obi of Onitsha or President Obasanjo as ‘my brother’? Why then the Olubadan?” Olayinka wrote.
The controversy has reignited conversations about cultural sensitivity in Nigerian politics, particularly when addressing traditional rulers who hold deep historical and spiritual significance.