No disrespect intended – Peter Obi apologises for referring to Olubadan as my dear brother

Labour Party presidential candidate duringthe 2023 generalelections, Mr. Peter Obi,  has clarified why he referred to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as “my dear brother” in a congratulatory message.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday to congratulate the monarch for his accession to the throne, Obi 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.”

Obi explained that he often uses the expression “my dear elder brother” to address individuals close to him and for whom he has tremendous respect.

Obi stated that his words were borne out of goodwill and not intended to slight the throne.

He also cited his frequent affectionate references to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, in similar terms, emphasizing his respect for protocol and authority.

Obi further noted that motive is important in assessing potential wrongdoing and assured the public that his message was driven by untrammelled goodwill.

Obi’s congratulatory message drew criticism from several quarters, with some describing his choice of words as a breach of cultural protocol.

Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat and others argued that Obi’s reference to the Olubadan as “my dear brother” was disrespectful, given the monarch’s age and position.

Hamzat contrasted Obi’s address with that of President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also referred to the Olubadan as “my brother,” suggesting that their relationships with the monarch justify the term.

The controversy highlighted the complexities of cultural protocol in Nigeria, particularly when addressing traditional rulers.

Obi’s clarification underscores the importance of understanding cultural nuances and the potential impact of words on different communities.