Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, has taken time to fire back at critics who dragged him for calling out Peter Obi over the way he addressed the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, during the monarch’s coronation ceremony.
The controversy began after Obi, while giving his goodwill message to the people of Ibadan, casually referred to the monarch as “my dear brother.” The choice of words immediately sparked mixed reactions, with many debating whether such an informal address was appropriate when speaking to a traditional ruler of such high status.
Although Obi later clarified that his remark was not meant to undermine the throne but rather to reflect the level of personal closeness and respect he has for the monarch, Oriyomi Hamzat insisted that the words were misplaced. According to him, the Olubadan deserves the utmost reverence, and addressing him in a casual manner before his subjects amounted to an act of disrespect to both the throne and the Yoruba tradition.
Following this, social media erupted, with Obi’s supporters accusing Oriyomi of deliberately attacking the Labour Party presidential candidate for political reasons. However, the broadcaster stood his ground and went further to release a series of statements on his X handle, reminding people of his reputation as a fearless voice who speaks truth to power regardless of who is involved.
“It seems many of you are just hearing about Oriyomi Hamzat. Permit me to remind you. I am Awi Koko loju ọlọrọ. I belong to everyone, and I belong to nobody. Through it all, I remain Oriyomi Hamzat, ọmọ Ọba Adewọlu Ladoja. My dear brothers and sisters, good night,” he boldly declared.
In a follow-up post, he didn’t hold back as he schooled those who questioned his intentions, saying: “Quick one, let me school those who don’t know me: There are few media personalities who criticize government the way I do. Ina ni mi, mi ò mọ́n ẹni tó dá mi. If you take a few seconds from a 2-hour program to judge me or twist it to set an agenda, that’s your business. Please tune into Agidigbo FM 88.7, Ibadan for Sokan wa tomorrow. Oke Ibadan a gbe wa ooo.”
Oriyomi’s fiery defence has since kept the matter trending, with his supporters hailing him for being outspoken and unafraid to challenge even powerful figures, while his critics insist he went too far in his interpretation of Obi’s words. The debate continues to divide opinions online, highlighting the sensitivity of language, tradition, and respect in Nigeria’s cultural and political space.