Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has provided clarification regarding his goodwill message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Obi explained that while there were concerns raised by some individuals about the manner in which he addressed the monarch, his words were purely meant to convey sincere goodwill and admiration, and were never intended as an act of disrespect. The former governor emphasized that his choice of words reflected his personal style of showing respect and affection toward elders and distinguished figures in society.
Obi stated, “I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja,” adding that it is his usual practice to refer to highly respected individuals as “my dear elder brother.” He highlighted that he addresses other revered figures in the same manner, including His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, whom he consistently calls his “very dear elder brother.”
He further reassured the public that his message in no way undermined the protocols, traditions, or authority of the monarchy. Obi stressed that his words were chosen out of affection and respect, and that they reflected his long-standing habit of addressing respected elders in a warm and familiar tone, without any intention to offend.
Reno Omokri’s remark
Gistreel recalls that Reno Omokri as well as individuals from several quarters had called out Mr Peter Obi for his manner of addressing the monarch, arguing that referring to a traditional ruler as “Dear Brother” could be perceived as disrespectful. The criticism sparked a discussion on social media and among public commentators regarding the appropriate way to address monarchs and other high-ranking traditional figures in Nigeria.
His words …
In response to the criticism, Obi clarified: “Certainly, no disrespect was 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 those 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. In matters of perceived wrongdoing, motive is very important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”
Obi’s statement emphasized that his message was motivated by respect, admiration, and a desire to convey goodwill, rather than any intent to undermine the status or authority of the Olubadan or other traditional rulers. His clarification serves to remind the public that addressing elders and distinguished personalities can be both affectionate and respectful, depending on the context and relationship.
See post below …
