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Presidential hopeful Peter Obi has clarified his congratulatory message to the newly-crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, after suffering backlash on social media The former governor of Anambra, in a statement, explained why he addressed Olubadan as his brother, saying he did not intend to disrespect the freshly-minted traditional ruler The opposition leader shared that he prefers to address individuals close to him as “elder brother,” stressing that his greeting to the Olubadan was borne out of goodwill Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance.
FCT, Abuja – Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, on Sunday morning, September 28, said he has “tremendous respect” for Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the newly-crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Legit.ng recalls that Obi came under criticism for calling Oba Ladoja, 81, “my dear brother” in his congratulatory message to the former Oyo state governor turned first-class monarch.
Peter Obi replies critics on why he addressed the Olubadan, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, as ‘brother’.
Photos credit: @PeterObi
Source: Twitter Obi, in a statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) to congratulate the monarch for his accession to the throne said:
“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.” Legit.ng reports that the Yoruba ethnic group is known for its respect for elders and kings, and the careful choice of words used when addressing them.
Although, both President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also used “my brother” for Oba Ladoja, Obi’s comment was seen by his critics as a breach of this cultural norm.
Clarifying his remarks on Sunday, September 28, the former Anambra state No.1 citizen, who was governor along with Ladoja in 2006, explained that he prefers to use the expression “my dear elder brother” when addressing individuals “especially close to me and for whom I have tremendous respect.”
The 64-year-old presidential hopeful stressed that his words were “borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”
He said in a statement he signed and shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle:
“Certainly, no disrespect intended in my goodwill message to His Royal Majesty. “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. However, those who follow me would have noticed that I often prefer to use the expression “my dear elder brother” when addressing individuals especially close to me and for whom I have tremendous respect. I always refer to His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, as my very dear elder brother in the same affectionate manner. Peter Obi clarifies Olubadan congratulatory message after backlash.
Photo credit: Mr. Peter Obi
Source: Facebook “In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill.” ‘Peter Obi remains LP member’ Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Obidient Movement refuted claims suggesting that Obi is uncertain about the political platform on which he intends to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Yunusa Tanko, the national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, insisted that Obi remains focused on his political mission of ‘rescuing Nigeria’.
Source: Legit.ng
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