Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi on Sunday defended his choice of words in addressing the newly installed Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, after referring to the monarch as “my dear elder brother” in a congratulatory message

Obi’s statement, posted on X, clarified that his intention was rooted in goodwill and respect, not in disregard for traditional protocol. “I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them,” he said.

He added that the expression was consistent with how he often addresses individuals with whom he shares close ties.

Obi pointed to past occasions when he had referred to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, as “my very dear elder brother,” explaining that it reflected personal respect rather than a breach of decorum.

The clarification followed reactions on social media, where some commentators questioned the appropriateness of his choice of words in addressing a first-class Yoruba traditional ruler.

Ladoja, 81, a former Oyo State governor, was formally installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on 26 September, succeeding Oba Lekan Balogun, who died in March 2024.

The ceremony, attended by President Bola Tinubu and other political and cultural leaders, marked the culmination of a succession process in one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional institutions.

In his original message, Obi had congratulated the Olubadan, describing him as “a man of immense wisdom, integrity, and service to his people and nation.” he said.