Femi Ashekun/
Peter Obi has come under fire over his choice of words in his congratulatory message to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who was installed on Friday as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle, Obi wrote, “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 enthronement of Oba Ladoja, a distinguished statesman with vast experience in business, politics, and governance, symbolises the enduring harmony between tradition and modernity in our society. As Governor of Oyo State, Oba Ladoja played a vital role in shaping the growth and development of Ibadan. I am confident that the same spirit of vision, dedication, and service that defined his public leadership will now find fuller expression in his new role as custodian of Ibadan’s rich cultural and traditional heritage.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations once again to the people of Ibadan and Oyo State as they welcome this new dawn in their history. It is my earnest prayer that Oba Ladoja’s reign will be long, peaceful, and fruitful, bringing enduring blessings to the land and its people.”
While many praised the sentiment, critics latched onto the phrase “my dear brother,” arguing it was culturally inappropriate and disrespectful to the ancient throne of Ibadan.
Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) led the charge, writing, “Dear Peter Obi, His Royal Majesty, 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. The Olubadan is a First Class King and deserves honourable treatment. He is a warrior king and Kabiyesi (one who cannot be questioned).
“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. Do you now see why you are not a fit and proper person to be Nigeria’s President? You are a low-cultured individual who lacks class and diplomacy… You are a trader, not a leader.”
Other X users echoed the criticism.
@LegendaryJoe wrote, “KABIESI IS NOT YOUR BROTHER – OLUBADAN IS YOUR FATHER. Are there no elders in Obi’s lineage to restrain him?” @DeeOneAyekooto added: “Which kind yeye familiarity is this? The Olubadan of Ibadanland is not your ‘brother’. He is Kabiyesi. Respect the throne.”
@emmanex4u said, “This is why people say Obi does not understand Yoruba culture. No Yoruba man will call the Olubadan his brother in public. That’s insult to the stool.” @kokomatic joined in: “Obi is playing with fire. You don’t call a First Class Oba your brother. This is a big cultural blunder.”
Some commentators also accused Obi’s critics of double standards. @Mr_Nosegbe remarked, “Ronu troglodytes when Peter Obi refers to the Olubadan as ‘my brother’ vs when Tinubu says the same thing.” Similarly, @Rujo_ mocked those upset by the phrase, writing: “So people are manifesting because PO called…”
Meanwhile, forum threads on Nairaland were filled with sharp rebukes.
One user wrote: “Obi should not take his cho cho cho reach our royal father side. Oba Olubadan is not your mate, he is old enough to your father.” Another added, “Very disrespectful!” while others insisted “He should have referred to him properly as Kabiyesi, not brother.”
However, Obi also received support from some of his followers, who argued that his words were intended to express warmth and kinship rather than diminish the monarch’s status.
In Obidient groups on Facebook, supporters dismissed the outrage as politically motivated. One post read, “Peter Obi is surprisingly not a bad person after all. My views on him have changed recently. My mind was poisoned by my former party members.”
Others insisted that Obi and Ladoja have shared political history and personal closeness, making “brother” an understandable expression.
The controversy has highlighted once again the delicate balance between modern political rhetoric and traditional protocol in Nigeria.
While Obi’s defenders see his phrasing as a symbol of unity and respect, critics argue it reflects a lack of cultural sensitivity, especially towards a revered throne that predates colonialism.
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Nigerians are very good at pointing fingers at anybody but themselves. The whole country stinks of social decay, corruption and bigotry, yet nearly everyone thinks it’s the other person’s fault. First and foremost, Mr Obi is from a different culture where traditional title holders are treated differently especially if you have some form of prior relationship with them before they ascended the throne. Secondly, since he’s alien to the Yoruba culture, wouldn’t it have been more honorable and decent to correct his cultural gaffe politely instead trying to use it to score cheap political points. Lastly, in responding to Omokri, I believe Mr Obi would have used exactly same adjectives to address even an emir or Igbo king with whom he had some acquaintance prior to their ascension to their thrones.