Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has apologised to those criticising him for describing Rashidi Ladoja, the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, as “ my dear brother”.
On Saturday, Obi published a goodwill message via X to celebrate the coronation of Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“I warmly congratulate my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Obi wrote on X.
Obi’s message was heavily criticised by his critics who argued that it is “disrespectful” for the former Anambra governor to describe Ladoja as his “dear brother”.
Some of his critics said since Ladoja is now a high class monarch in the south-west and also older than Obi, the former Anambra governor should not have described him as “dear brother”.
One of the critics is Reno Omokri, former presidential aide. In a post via X, Omokri said Ladoja is a royal father and should not be “flippantly addressed as my dear brother”.
“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 wrote on X.
Responding to his critics, the former Anambra governor, in a X post, said “no disrespect intended” in his earlier goodwill message to Ladoja.
“I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing,” Obi said.
“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 and for whom I have tremendous respect.
“I always refer to His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, as my very dear elder brother in the same affectionate manner.
“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”
On Friday, Ladoja, a former Oyo governor, was crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The coronation event was attended by political and traditional leaders, including President Bola Tinubu.
Ladoja, who turned 81 on Thursday, succeeds Owolabi Olakulehin, who died in June.
