Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has once again found himself entangled in controversy after a poorly worded congratulatory message to a Yoruba monarch went viral.
In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi congratulated His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, but controversially referred to the highly revered monarch as “my dear brother.” The phrase, highlighted in the viral screenshot above, sparked outrage among Yoruba traditionalists and cultural stakeholders who considered the address highly disrespectful and a direct breach of royal protocols.
Following the backlash, Obi attempted damage control by releasing a statement that many Nigerians have dismissed as insincere. In his explanation, he wrote:
“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.”
Critics, however, argue that Obi’s explanation is nothing but a face-saving excuse, branding it a lie to cover up what they describe as arrogance and disregard for Yoruba traditional institutions.
Cultural commentators stressed that referring to an Oba — the custodian of Yoruba culture and traditions — as a “dear brother” undermines the sacred hierarchy that demands utmost respect. Some Yoruba elders openly declared that Obi’s casual tone reveals a lack of cultural awareness and insensitivity to Yoruba traditions, which could further alienate him from critical support bases in the South-West.
Observers have also pointed out the inconsistency in Obi’s choice of words. While he claims to frequently address respected individuals as “my dear elder brother,” many Nigerians recall his leaked conversation with Bishop David Oyedepo during the 2023 elections where he reverentially called the cleric “Yes Daddy.” Critics say this proves that Obi selectively chooses his tone depending on political convenience — using exaggerated reverence for clerics while downplaying the authority of Yoruba monarchs.
The uproar has led many to accuse Obi of double standards, dishonesty, and political hypocrisy. To them, his belated clarification is a desperate attempt to dodge accountability, further cementing the belief that Peter Obi only respects institutions and individuals that directly serve his political ambitions.
For many Yoruba leaders and cultural custodians, the incident will not be easily forgotten. Obi’s words — and his so-called explanation — are now seen as another example of his slippery political character, leaving Nigerians to wonder if respect for tradition is negotiable in his brand of politics.