Following criticisms over his congratulatory message to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has clarified that his remarks were not meant to be disrespectful.
On Saturday, Obi had taken to his official X handle to congratulate Oba Ladoja on his ascension to the revered throne. In the post, he described the 81-year-old monarch as his “dear brother.”
“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,” Obi wrote.
The message, however, drew criticism from some Nigerians who felt that addressing the monarch as “brother” instead of “father” was inappropriate and undermined the dignity of the throne.
Responding in a follow-up statement on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor clarified that his choice of words was not intended to disrespect the Olubadan.
“Certainly, no disrespect was intended in my goodwill message to His Royal Majesty. I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them,” Obi explained.
He further noted that it is his personal style to address respected individuals close to him as “elder brother.”
“Those who follow me would have noticed that I often use the expression ‘my dear elder brother’ when addressing individuals, especially those for whom I have tremendous respect. For example, I always refer to His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, in the same affectionate manner. In such matters, motive is important, and I assure all that my words to the Olubadan were borne out of genuine goodwill,” he added.
