FORMER Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has come under heavy criticism following his congratulatory message to the newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, in which he described the monarch as “my dear brother.”
News Point Nigeria reports that Obi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, congratulated the new Olubadan, 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 Yoruba people, known for their deep reverence for traditional rulers and elders, often place great emphasis on the use of honorifics and deferential titles when addressing their monarchs.
Obi’s choice of words has therefore sparked outrage, with critics arguing that calling the Olubadan “my brother” undermines Yoruba cultural values and diminishes the status of the throne.
Reacting sharply, former presidential aide Reno Omokri accused Obi of cultural insensitivity and a lack of diplomatic polish.
Omokri argued that Obi’s language was disrespectful to the ancient throne of Ibadan, which carries historical significance.
Omokri wrote on X: “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).”
He further claimed Obi would not dare use such a casual expression in addressing northern monarchs: “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. This is why Obi is not a fit and proper person to be president of Nigeria.”
Similarly, Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, criticized Obi’s choice of words, calling it both culturally ignorant and politically arrogant.
In a series of posts on X, Olayinka highlighted the age difference between Obi, 64, and the Olubadan, 81, noting that respect should be accorded not just to the monarch’s title but also his seniority in age and leadership experience.
Olayinka wrote: “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?”
The controversy has ignited wider debate about cultural sensitivity, respect for traditional rulers, and the expectations of political leaders when addressing revered institutions.
For now, Peter Obi has not responded to the backlash, but the debate continues to dominate discussions across social media.