Samuel Omang
The coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland was meant to be a moment of unbroken celebration — a cultural milestone marked by prayers, festivities, and torrents of goodwill messages from across Nigeria. Yet, amid the flood of congratulations, one message from Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, unexpectedly stirred controversy.
In his tribute, Obi described the newly crowned monarch as “my dear elder brother.” What he intended as a note of affection was swiftly branded a breach of Yoruba tradition. For many, the throne of Ibadan demanded lofty honorifics, not informal familiarity.
The backlash was swift. Former presidential aide Reno Omokri accused Obi of displaying “lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish,” while Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, called the phrasing “cultural ignorance and political arrogance.” They insisted that beyond age differences, the Olubadan deserved to be addressed with the full weight of his royal authority.
Social media caught fire as debates raged over whether Obi’s words reflected affection or a disregard for cultural protocol.
Sensing the rising tide, Obi stepped forward to clarify. In a post on his official X handle, he stressed that no disrespect was intended.
“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,” he explained.
According to Obi, it was not unusual for him to use such expressions with those he holds in high regard, citing his frequent affectionate references to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, as examples. “I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them. However, those who follow me know I often prefer the expression ‘my dear elder brother’ when addressing individuals close to me,” he added.
For Obi, the message was borne out of “untrammelled goodwill.” But the episode highlighted how sensitive cultural traditions remain in Nigeria, where even the choice of words in a congratulatory note can spark national debate.
Meanwhile, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at 81, continues to bask in the honor of ascending Ibadan’s historic throne, receiving congratulatory messages from leaders across political and cultural divides. Yet, his coronation will be remembered not only for its grandeur but also for the cultural storm it unwittingly sparked in the national conversation.