Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has addressed the social media storm sparked by his congratulatory message to the newly enthroned Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. In a swift clarification posted on X (formerly Twitter), Obi explained that referring to the 81-year-old monarch as “my dear elder brother” was a heartfelt expression of admiration and affection, not a slight against Yoruba traditions.
The controversy erupted shortly after Obi’s original post on Saturday, where he wrote: “I warmly congratulate my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.” The message celebrated Ladoja’s ascension as a “source of pride for the Yoruba nation and Nigeria,” highlighting his legacy as a former Oyo State governor and statesman who bridged tradition and modernity. However, the informal phrasing drew sharp criticism from online commentators, who argued it undermined the throne’s revered status in Ibadan’s ancient chieftaincy system.
Reno Omokri, a vocal critic and former presidential aide, led the backlash, tweeting: “Olubadan Ladoja not your ‘dear brother’… You are a low-cultured individual who lacks class and diplomacy.” Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, piled on, pointing to the age gap—Obi at 64 versus Ladoja’s 81—and mocking him as “Mr ONE SHOE alias AGBOTIKUYO.” Hashtags like #ObiDisrespectsTradition trended briefly on X, with users debating cultural sensitivity in political discourse.
Undeterred, Obi responded on Sunday morning, emphasizing his personal linguistic style. “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,” he wrote. “I wish to assure all that my words to His Royal Majesty were borne out of untrammelled goodwill, respect, and genuine affection. I prefer to address individuals especially close to me and for whom I have tremendous respect as ‘my dear elder brother’… In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill. Certainly, no disrespect intended.”
The clarification has garnered widespread support from Obi’s loyalists, who flooded his post with messages like “Peter Obi remains classy—intent over words!” and “Respect recognizes respect. #ObiForPresident.” Supporters argue the phrase aligns with Igbo cultural warmth, where “elder brother” denotes deep reverence for mentors and elders, much like Obi’s longstanding admiration for Ladoja’s political acumen.
Ladoja’s coronation on Friday at Mapo Hall was a spectacle of pomp, attended by dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde. The event capped Ladoja’s 32-year climb through Ibadan’s rotational hierarchy, symbolizing resilience after past tussles with state reforms. Obi’s message was among hundreds of tributes, but its personal tone stood out amid the formalities.
As Nigeria’s political undercurrents simmer, this episode underscores the scrutiny faced by figures like Obi, whose every word is dissected in the court of public opinion. With the Olubadan’s reign just beginning, Obi’s gesture—clarified or not—adds a layer of cross-ethnic camaraderie to the narrative.