Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has faced criticism for referring to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as “my dear brother” in his congratulations message to the traditional ruler.
Obi, in a statement released on X (previously Twitter) on Saturday to congratulate the monarch on his ascension to the throne,
“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 Yoruba ethnic group is recognized for their respect for elders and kings, as well as the precise wording with which they approach them.
Peter Obi’s comment, in which he addressed the freshly crowned king as “my brother,” was interpreted as a violation of this cultural norm.
Reno Omokri, a former presidential assistant, criticized Obi for lacking cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish.
In a post on X, Omokri accused Obi of disrespecting the newly crowned monarch by referring to him as “my dear brother.”
“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 said.
“The ancient throne of Ibadan predates colonialism. Ibadan was the largest city-state in West Africa. This is not some warrant chief created by the British in a land without natural rulers.
“The Olubadan is a first-class king and deserves honorable treatment from Nigerians. He is a warrior king and kabiyesi (one who cannot be questioned),” Omokri said.
Omokri also argued that Obi would not dare address an emir in similar terms, suggesting that the comment underscored why Obi is “not a fit and proper person” to be Nigeria’s president.
“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,” he said.
In response, the media advisor to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Lere Olayinka, condemned Obi’s reference to Olubadan as rude.
In a series of posts on X, Olayinka condemned Obi’s choice of words as an example of cultural ignorance and political hubris.
Olayinka said, “Mr. One Shoe, alias Agbotikuyo, is 64. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is 81 years old.
“Oba Ladoja became governor of Oyo State in 2003, and Mr. One Shoe became governor of Anambra State in 2006. Can you refer to someone who is 17 years older than you as my brother?
“Can Mr. One Shoe address the Obi of Onitsha as my brother? Can he address President Obasanjo as my brother?”
