Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified his goodwill message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, following backlash over his choice of words.
Obi explained that while some critics, including Reno Omokri, viewed his reference to the monarch as “my dear elder brother” as disrespectful, the expression was borne purely out of genuine goodwill and affection.
“I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja,” Peter Obi said, adding that he often uses the phrase when addressing revered figures he deeply respects.
He pointed out that he has consistently referred to the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, in the same affectionate manner, stressing that it is not intended to undermine protocol, tradition, or authority.
“Certainly, no disrespect intended in my goodwill message,” Obi affirmed, assuring the public that his words were motivated by respect and untrammelled goodwill.
The clarification comes after mixed reactions on social media, where some users argued that the informal address was inappropriate for a traditional ruler of the Olubadan’s stature.
