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Broadcast journalist Oriyomi Hamzat has accused former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi of showing disrespect to Yoruba culture and the people of Ibadan by referring to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as “my dear brother” in a congratulatory message.
Obi, however, clarified his intention in a Sunday post, stating he never meant to undermine the throne.
In a goodwill message shared on Saturday, Obi referred to the monarch as “my dear brother,” a phrase that quickly stirred criticism on social media for allegedly breaching cultural protocol.
Speaking during his So Kan Wa Special programme on Agidigbo FM, Hamzat and his guests condemned Obi’s choice of words, describing it as an affront to Yoruba tradition.
“Yoruba people, Ibadan indigenes, Obi has disrespected you. He called Olubadan, a royal head, my friend,” Hamzat said during the broadcast.
The Ibadan-based broadcaster emphasised that his comments were not politically motivated but aimed at defending the dignity of the throne.
“I am not hindering him from getting votes, I am just informing them,” he added.
Hamzat further noted that even President Bola Tinubu exercised caution when addressing the monarch.
“The President did not call him my friend; maybe he said brother. Olubadan has now turned to my father,” he remarked.
His criticism echoed earlier reactions from former presidential aide Reno Omokri, who described Obi’s words as evidence of “lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish.”
Similarly, Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, described the remark as showing “cultural ignorance and political arrogance.”
The backlash has sparked heated debate on social media, with some Nigerians faulting Obi for breaching tradition, while others defended the phrase as an expression of warmth.
Reiterating his position in a follow-up post on Sunday, Obi insisted his message was never intended as a slight.
“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,” he wrote.
Obi further explained that he commonly addresses respected individuals as “my dear elder brother,” citing his affectionate references to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, as an example.
“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,” Obi stated, stressing that his words were “borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”
The controversy coincides with national attention on the coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, which has attracted congratulatory messages from political and cultural leaders nationwide.
