By Oluremi Adediran
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has come under criticism for calling the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, “my dear brother” in his congratulatory message to the traditional ruler.
Obi, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday to congratulate the monarch for his accession to the throne said, “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 ethnic group is known for its respect for elders and kings, and the careful choice of words used when addressing them.
Peter Obi’s comment has been seen as a breach of this cultural norm, as he referred to the newly crowned king as “my brother.”
But reacting, a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, berated Obi for what he called a lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish.
Omokri, in a post on X, accused Obi of denigrating the newly crowned monarch by calling him “my dear brother.”
“The 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, is a royal father. Therefore, he should not be flippantly addressed as ‘my dear brother,’” Omokri said.
“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),” Omokri said.
Omokri further argued that Obi would not dare address an emir in similar terms, suggesting that the comment underscored why Obi is “not a fit and proper person” to be Nigeria’s president.
“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,” he said.
Also reacting, the media aide to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Lere Olayinka, described Obi’s reference to Olubadan as disrespectful.
Olayinka, in a series of posts on X, also described Obi’s choice of words as a demonstration of cultural ignorance and political arrogance
Olayinka said, “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?”
