Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has come under heavy criticism following his congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, in which he referred to the monarch as “my dear brother.”

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, had posted on social media to celebrate the coronation of Oba Ladoja, who was installed 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, the phrase “my dear brother” has sparked outrage, with many critics accusing Obi of disrespecting Yoruba royal traditions by addressing a newly installed monarch in such familiar terms.

Some went further to cite the age difference between Obi and the newly installed monarch.

Among those who reacted was Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, who chastised Obi for what he described as an inappropriate tone in addressing a traditional ruler of high status.

Omokri wrote: “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. 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 (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. Yoy are not polished. The only thing you respect is money. You are a trader, not a leader. A person like you is more suited to man a stall at Onitsha Market than be the man at Aso Rock.”

Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, further blasted Obi, saying: “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.

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“Can you refer to someone who is 17 years older than you as My Brother?

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READ ALSO: Official: Ladoja Crowned The 44TH Olubadan Of Ibadan

An X user #5am_inLagos also wrote: “At 81, Oba Ladoja is not your brother ooo. Na your papa be that.”

#paynedre1 further schooled Obi, saying: “Mr Obi. Referring to the Olubadan as ‘my brother’ in this tweet is disrespectful. A traditional ruler deserves full formal recognition and decorum.”

Questioning Obi’s lack of emotional intelligence, #aminu10 wrote: “Atiku is your elder brother. Charly boy is your elder brother. But, a King who is older than the two is your dear brother. You don’t think that is unnecessarily disrespectful?”

Another X user #connect01x, playfully advised the former governor, saying: “Na midnight you dey post now ejeh…. Go pick Atiku call and turn running mate.”

#SundyLand further added: “He’s not your brother, He’s not your mate either. he’s the Kabieysi just in case you need a reminder and clarification.

“Calling His majesty baba wa, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Kabiseyi sir ‘my dear brother’ is not only disrespectful but also lacking home training. Rectify asap”

#BiodunAdeyanju1 further schooled Obi saying: “Peter Obi lacks cultural competence. First, in Yoruba, an Oba can no longer be addressed as ‘my brother’, not even Obasanjo or Tinubu will say that.

“Both of you are not blood or traditionally related and apart from that, he’s much older in age and now is status. Learning protocols in writing will help PO’s handlers.

“According to the Yoruba mythology, KABIO- Kan KOSi, is now a deity in a human body. He speaks with a tone of finality!!”