The Labour Party (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified the statement 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.
However, Peter Obi’s message has sparked backlash online, with many insinuating that the former Governor of Anambra State disrespected Ladoja.
In response, Peter Obi, in a statement via X on Sunday, stated that his words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill and meant no disrespect to the monarch.
He said, “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.
”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 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 wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”
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