Obi Under Fire For Addressing Olubadan As ‘My Dear Brother’

-SEB Editorial-

Royal Protocol and Political Missteps - The Firestorm Over Peter Obi’s Salutation to the Olubadan

In the ever-sensitive terrain of Nigerian politics and traditional reverence, a single phrase can ignite a storm. Such is the case with Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, whose congratulatory message to the newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has drawn sharp criticism for what many perceive as a breach of royal etiquette.

The phrase in question, “my dear brother”, used by Obi in his public tribute, has sparked a heated debate about cultural respect, political polish, and the boundaries of familiarity in addressing traditional rulers.

Obi’s message, posted on his verified X account, was intended to celebrate Oba Ladoja’s ascension as the 44th Olubadan. He praised the monarch’s legacy as a former governor of Oyo State and expressed hope for a fruitful reign. Yet, it was his choice of words, “I warmly congratulate my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja…”, that drew the ire of critics who argue that such informality undermines the dignity of a First Class king and custodian of Yoruba heritage.

Leading the charge was Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide and vocal commentator, who lambasted Obi for what he described as a lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic finesse. Omokri emphasized that the Olubadan’s throne predates colonial structures and should not be equated with warrant chiefs established during British rule. He questioned whether Obi would use similar language when addressing northern monarchs, suggesting that the remark revealed a troubling double standard. In a scathing Facebook post, Omokri wrote, “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. You are not polished. The only thing you respect is money. You are a trader, not a leader”.

The backlash extended beyond Omokri. Lere Olayinka, media aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, also criticized Obi, mocking the age difference between the two men and questioning the appropriateness of calling an 81-year-old monarch “brother.” Olayinka’s posts, laced with derision and references to Obi’s past, added fuel to the controversy, framing the issue as one of generational and hierarchical disrespect.

Yet, amid the uproar, some Nigerians have called for restraint, arguing that Obi’s intent was clearly respectful and celebratory. They point to the broader message, which lauded Oba Ladoja’s contributions to Ibadan’s development and expressed hope for a peaceful reign. For these voices, the controversy is less about protocol and more about political opportunism, an attempt to discredit a prominent opposition figure over semantics.

This incident underscores the delicate balance between modern political communication and traditional reverence in Nigeria. It raises important questions about how public figures navigate cultural expectations, especially in a country where traditional institutions still command deep respect.

Whether Obi’s phrasing was a genuine misstep or a benign expression of camaraderie, the reaction reveals the high stakes of political language in a society where symbolism matters as much as substance.

In the end, the firestorm over “my dear brother” may fade, but it leaves behind a cautionary tale: in Nigeria’s complex tapestry of politics and tradition, words are never just words, they are signals of respect, identity, and power. And for those who aspire to lead, every phrase counts.