Why I Called Olubadan ‘My Dear Brother’ — Peter Obi
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has addressed the controversy surrounding his congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Obi had come under criticism on social media after referring to the monarch as “my dear brother” in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. Critics described the phrasing as culturally inappropriate and disrespectful to traditional protocols.
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.”
Following the backlash, Obi issued a clarification in a follow-up post on Sunday, stating that his choice of words was never intended to show disrespect to the throne.
“Certainly, no disrespect intended in my goodwill message to His Royal Majesty,” he said. “I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.”
He explained that he frequently uses the term “my dear elder brother” to express affection and respect toward individuals he holds in high regard, regardless of their status. Obi cited his long-standing use of the phrase, including in references to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.
“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.
However, those who follow me would have noticed that I often prefer to use the expression ‘my dear elder brother’ when addressing individuals especially close to me,” he added.
Reiterating that his message came from a place of goodwill, Obi concluded:
“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”
