Peter Obi Clarifies “My Dear Brother” Remark to Olubadan After Backlash

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has faced criticism over his choice of words in a congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I.

In a goodwill post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Obi celebrated the monarch’s coronation, writing: “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 phrase “my dear brother” drew widespread criticism, with many arguing it breached Yoruba cultural norms that emphasize reverence for traditional rulers.

Reacting on X, former presidential aide Reno Omokri faulted Obi’s message, describing it as culturally insensitive and lacking diplomatic tact. “The 44th Olubadan of Ibadan is a royal father and should not be flippantly addressed as ‘my dear brother.’ Ibadan’s ancient throne predates colonialism and deserves full honour” Omokri said. He added that Obi would not have used similar words for an emir, suggesting the incident reflected why Obi was “not a fit and proper person” to lead Nigeria.

Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, also weighed in, calling Obi’s words disrespectful. Olayinka highlighted the monarch’s seniority, noting that Oba Ladoja, 81, became governor of Oyo State in 2003, while Obi, now 64, assumed office as governor of Anambra in 2006. “Can you call someone 17 years older than you, who is also a king, ‘my brother’?” Olayinka asked.

The backlash quickly spread across social media, sparking debates over cultural protocol and respect for traditional rulers.

Obi, however, clarified his intentions on Sunday in another post on his official X account. He stressed that his remarks were made in goodwill and not meant to demean the throne. “Certainly, no disrespect intended in my goodwill message to His Royal Majesty. I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja” he wrote.

Explaining further, Obi said he often uses the phrase “my dear elder brother” when addressing people he holds in high esteem, citing his similar affectionate references to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe. “I respect protocol and authority and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them. Those who follow me would know this expression reflects respect and closeness, not disregard” he added.

Obi’s clarification comes amid heightened national attention on the coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, an event that has drawn congratulatory messages from political leaders, traditional rulers and cultural figures across Nigeria.