Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has issued a formal clarification regarding his congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, following widespread public reaction to his choice of words.
In his original message posted on social media on Saturday, Obi congratulated Oba Ladoja on his installation as the 44th Olubadan, referring to the monarch as “my dear elder brother.” While the message was intended to convey warmth and respect, it drew criticism from some quarters who viewed the phrasing as culturally inappropriate and disrespectful to Yoruba traditional institutions.
Responding to the backlash, Obi released a statement on Sunday emphasizing that his words were borne out of goodwill and personal affection. “Certainly, no disrespect intended in my goodwill message to His Royal Majesty,” Obi stated. “I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. 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.”
Obi further explained that he often uses the term “elder brother” when addressing individuals close to him and for whom he holds deep respect. He cited similar expressions used in reference to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, underscoring that his language reflects personal reverence rather than a breach of decorum.
“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill,” Obi added.