The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has come under criticism for describing the newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as “my dear brother” in his congratulatory message to the Yoruba monarch.

Naijaonpoint reports that the former Oyo State governor, Ladoja, was officially crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in a coronation ceremony held on Friday, September 26, 2025.

This followed the passing of the late Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, in July.

Peter Obi, in a post on his verified 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, hailed the monarch on his ascension to the throne, calling it “a celebration for the people of Ibadan and a source of pride for the entire Yoruba nation.”

He wrote, “I warmly congratulate my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. His ascension to this revered throne is a celebration for the people of Ibadan and a source of pride for the entire Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.

“The enthronement of Oba Ladoja, a distinguished statesman with vast experience in business, politics, and governance, symbolises the enduring harmony between tradition and modernity in our society.”

Obi added that Ladoja’s record as a former governor of Oyo State would “find fuller expression in his new role as custodian of Ibadan’s rich cultural and traditional heritage.”

Nigerians React, Claim Peter Obi Disrespected Yoruba Culture

However, Obi’s choice of words has sparked outrage from some commentators, who argued that referring to a traditional ruler as “my brother” violated Yoruba cultural norms.

Amongst those criticising the former Governor of Anambra State is a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, who berated Obi, accusing him of “a lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish.”

“The 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, is a royal father. Therefore, he should not be flippantly addressed as ‘my dear brother,’” Omokri wrote on 𝕏.

He stressed that Ibadan’s monarchy was a historic institution that predates colonialism, adding that “the Olubadan is a first-class king and deserves honourable treatment from Nigerians.”

Omokri further argued that Obi would never address an emir in such terms, insisting that the remark showed why Obi was “not a fit and proper person” to be Nigeria’s president.

“Can you, Peter Obi, refer to an emir as ‘my dear brother’? Of course not! What you cannot do with an emir, please, do not try it with the Olubadan,” he added.

Similarly, the media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lere Olayinka, also faulted Obi’s congratulatory message, describing it as “disrespectful.”

In a series of posts on 𝕏, Olayinka mocked Obi, whom he referred to as “Mr One Shoe alias Agbotikuyo,” noting the age difference between the politician and the monarch.

“Mr One Shoe’s age is 64. Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja’s age is 81. Oba Ladoja became governor of Oyo State in 2003, Mr One Shoe became governor of Anambra State in 2006. Can you refer to someone who is 17 years older than you as my brother?” he asked.

He further queried whether Obi would ever address the Obi of Onitsha or former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the same manner.

Others Reactions

@Iyoaiye_ says – “If he can indirectly show rudeness to a revered monarch, what more proof is required to establish that the persistent disrespect and insults hurled at Yoruba traditional rulers and elders by his followers are a direct reflection of his influence?

@seyialli – How dare you address the Oba as “my brother”? That is culturally disrespectful. Show cultural sensitivity.

He is a monarch and you are his subject. Think of what you should have used in place of my friend.

Times and level have changed!

@Seunfunmi_mi – Arrogant man, apart from the fact that his he OLUBADAN, he is 81yrs. Have some respect for the throne Peter, he is your father.

@topsiteajayi – You can call him Daddy or Kabiyesi or King, he is 81 in between and old enough to be your father sir.

I like you as a person, but you need to respect tradition and culture.

Don’t suptly disrespect an Oba 👑 by calling His Royal Majesty my brother”

@BriefCasNOP – Peter Obi, learn how to do proper salutation to the King. You don’t address a monarch like your brother or market mate you’re not even in the same class. In Yoruba land, the King is sacred and any form of disrespect won’t be tolerated. That throne represents history, heritage, and the dignity of an entire people, not something to joke with.

Obi Defended

While many have criticised Obi for his ‘my brother’ comment, some Nigerians, however, defended the former Anambra State Governor.

@Eteng123456 – So because Ladoja is now an Oba of a town,his mate when they were governors can no longer refer to him as a brother? Is Ladoja now a god? Is this not the same Ladoja who was hounded by the ECC and convicted of corruption as governor of Oyo State? Nawathese Yoruba idol worshippers.

@loveday_manuels – Someone will congratulate someone. The person they are congratulating doesnt have an issue with the “my brother”

Some tribalistic animals do. Go to developed countries with this una behavior, you wont last 1 week.

@michael_ogwo – A man of the people…. He considered everyone as brother as a sign of unity and brotherhood,
Imagine if we consider ourselves brothers and sisters maybe we can electing real human with human hearts not criminals

@X2dollar – “Yoruba people and Sentiment… So because a man became the king, He’s no longer your friend, He now become’s your God… Yoruba Ronu.”