Peter Obi Faces Criticism Over ‘My Brother’ Remark to Olubadan

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has come under fire for addressing the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as “my dear brother” in his congratulatory message.

Obi, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, celebrated Ladoja’s installation as the 44th 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.”

However, Obi’s choice of words has stirred debate. The Yoruba culture places deep emphasis on respect for elders and traditional rulers, and critics argue that referring to the Olubadan as “my brother” falls short of this cultural expectation.

Reacting, former presidential aide Reno Omokri described Obi’s remark as culturally insensitive and lacking in diplomatic tact.

“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 posted on X.

He further noted that the Olubadan stool carries immense historical significance, predating colonialism, and should not be trivialized in any form.