Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has faulted Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi’s congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
In a broadcast on Sunday, Mr Hamzat said Mr Obi’s choice of words amounted to a disregard for Yoruba tradition.
Obi had in his post addressed the monarch as “my dear brother,” a phrase that drew criticism from several quarters.
“Yoruba people, Ibadan indigenes, Obi has disrespected you. He called Olubadan, a royal head, my friend,” Hamzat said.
He added that even President Bola Tinubu avoided casual expressions in his own congratulatory message to the monarch.
Other commentators, including Reno Omokri and Lere Olayinka, also faulted Obi’s remark, describing it as a breach of cultural protocol.
Obi, however, clarified his intention in a statement, saying he did not mean to slight the throne.
“I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing. I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them,” Obi said.
He explained that he often addresses respected individuals as “my dear elder brother” and cited examples of how he addresses other traditional rulers in the same way.
“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of goodwill,” he added.
