Peter Obi Clarifies ‘Dear Brother’ Remark to Olubadan, Says It Was Out of Respect, Not Disrespect

 

Peter Obi, a Labour Party presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State, has addressed the controversy over his recent message of goodwill to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. Obi explained that his choice of words in referring to the monarch as “my dear elder brother” was made out of sincere respect and affection, not disrespect, as some critics had suggested.

 His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, was one of the traditional rulers mentioned, and he stated that it is customary for him to address revered individuals he holds in high regard in such affectionate terms. Obi emphasized that his message was merely a gesture of goodwill and not intended to undermine royal traditions, reaffirming his respect for traditional protocol and authority.

Quoting his statement:

“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. -PO”