Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is facing heavy criticism after referring to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as “my dear brother” in his congratulatory message.
Obi had on Saturday posted on X (formerly Twitter): “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.”
However, the choice of words has drawn backlash, as Yoruba culture is known for showing deep respect to monarchs and elders, especially in the way they are addressed.
A former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, condemned Obi’s remark, saying it showed “a lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish.”
Omokri, in a post on X, 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.’ 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 honourable treatment from Nigerians. He is a warrior king and kabiyesi (one who cannot be questioned).”
Omokri further argued that Obi would not dare use the same words for an emir. “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 added.
Also reacting, the media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lere Olayinka, described Obi’s words as “disrespectful” and proof of “cultural ignorance and political arrogance.”
Olayinka, in a series of posts on X, mocked Obi, saying: “Mr One Shoe alias Agbotikuyo’s age is 64. Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja’s age is 81. Oba Ladoja became governor of Oyo State in 2003, 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?”
