Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, faces backlash following his congratulatory message to the newly crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, by referring to him as “my dear brother”.
The post, made shortly after the September 26th enthronement, has drawn criticism from Yoruba netizens and political commentators.
In the congratulatory note, Obi lauded Oba Ladoja’s elevation to the revered throne, describing it as a proud occasion for Ibadan and the Yoruba nation. He acknowledged the monarch’s experience in governance, business, and politics, mentioning the harmony his reign is expected to bring between tradition and modern governance.
However, the words of the Labour Party candidate, has caused serious tension on social media, particularly among Yorubas who viewed the phrase “my dear brother” as culturally inappropriate and lacking the requisite respect for a monarch of Oba Ladoja’s stature and age. They argued that the term diminished the king’s revered status, urging Obi to demonstrate better cultural sensitivity. Prominent voices such as former presidential aide Reno Omokri condemned Obi’s phrasing. He said that an Oba should be addressed with utmost reverence to uphold centuries of royal tradition. Omokri pointed out that such a comparison would be unacceptable when referring to other traditional rulers like Emirs, he added that Obi lacked diplomacy and understanding of Nigerian cultural protocols.
Social media users stressed that Oba Ladoja, who is 81 years old, should be accorded titles to uphold his seniority and heritage, such as “Kabiyesi” or “Your Royal Majesty” rather than informal terms that suggest equality or siblinghood. Many expressed disappointment, cautioning that leadership demands respect for longstanding cultural norms across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
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