Why I addressed Olubadan as ‘brother’  —   Peter Obi replies critics

By Bayo Wahab

Following the criticisms of his congratulatory connection to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the caller Olubadan of Ibadanland, Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential campaigner of the Labour Party, has clarified that his connection to the monarch was not disrespectful.

On Saturday, Obi, successful a connection posted connected X via his authoritative handle, congratulated Oba Ladoja connected his ascension to the revered throne of Olubadan.

In the statement, Obi described the 81-year-old Olubadan arsenic his brother.

He wrote: “I warmly congratulate my beloved brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, connected his installation arsenic the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. His ascension to this revered throne is simply a solemnisation for the radical of Ibadan and a root of pridefulness for the full Yoruba federation and Nigeria arsenic a whole.”

However, Obi’s congratulatory connection was greeted with criticisms arsenic galore Nigerians accused him of disrespecting the Olubadan throne by addressing the king arsenic ‘brother’ alternatively of ‘His Royal Majesty’.

Reacting to the criticism, the erstwhile politician of Anambra, successful different connection connected Sunday, explained wherefore helium addressed Olubadan arsenic his brother, saying helium didn’t mean to disrespect the accepted ruler.

He said, “Certainly, nary disrespect intended successful my goodwill Message to His Royal Majesty. I felicitated with my beloved elder brother, the recently crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

“I person work the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing. I respect protocol and authority, and I try, arsenic overmuch arsenic possible, to adhere to them.”

Obi clarified that helium prefers to code individuals adjacent to him arsenic “elder brother,” stressing that his greeting to the Olubadan was borne retired of goodwill.

He said, “Those who travel maine would person noticed that I often similar to usage the look ‘my beloved elder brother’ erstwhile addressing individuals, particularly adjacent to maine and for whom I person tremendous respect.

“I ever notation to His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, arsenic my precise beloved elder member successful the aforesaid affectionate manner. In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I guarantee each that my words were borne retired of untrammelled goodwill.”

Vanguard News

The station Why I addressed Olubadan arsenic ‘brother’  —   Peter Obi replies critics appeared archetypal connected Vanguard News.