Reactions have trailed the congratulatory message of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Mr Obi, in a post on X on Saturday, described the monarch as his “dear brother” while congratulating him on his coronation as the 44th Olubadan.
He 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 post has since stirred criticism from political figures and social media users who argued that the phrase “dear brother” was inappropriate for addressing a traditional ruler.
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri said the Olubadan was a royal father and should not be addressed as a brother.
“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’,” Mr Omokri wrote.
“The ancient throne of Ibadan predates colonialism. Ibadan was the largest city-state in West Africa. This is not some warrant chief created by the British in a land without natural rulers. The Olubadan is a First Class King and deserves honourable treatment from Nigerians. He is a warrior king and Kabiyesi. Can you, Peter Obi, refer to an Emir as ‘my dear brother’? Of course not!”
Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT minister Nyesom Wike, also faulted Obi’s statement in a series of posts on X.
He wrote, “This Mr ONE SHOE alias AGBOTIKUYO enh. Your brother or DADDY or ELDER BROTHER? Iru arifin wo ni yi bayi?”
In another post, Olayinka said, “Mr ONE SHOE alias AGBOTIKUYO’s age is 64. Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja’s age is 81. Oba Ladoja became Governor of Oyo State in 2003. Mr ONE SHOE became Governor of Anambra State in 2006. Can you refer to someone who is 17 years older than you as my brother? Can Mr ONE SHOE address Obi of Onitsha as my brother? Can he address President Obasanjo as my brother?”
On X, users also joined in criticising Obi’s choice of words.
One user wrote, “He’s not your brother, he is your father. My love for you wouldn’t stop me from saying the truth. Don’t be uncultured. Ladoja na your papa mate.”
Another said, “Never in your life, call Kabiyesi, my brother. Very disrespectful.”
One added, “You should hush sometimes! You call Atiku your elder brother but our Kabiyesi is your ‘dear brother.’ You and your handlers, I don’t know who should fire each other.”
Oba Rashidi Ladoja was coronated on Friday at Mapo Hall, Ibadan. He succeeded Oba Owolabi Olakulehin who died on July 7.
