By Samuel Omotere
Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has accused former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of disrespecting Yoruba culture and the Ibadan people with his “my dear brother” congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
However Obi clarified his intention in a post on Sunday, insisting he never meant to slight the throne.
Obi, in a goodwill note on Saturday, had addressed the monarch as “my dear brother,” a phrase that quickly drew criticism on social media for breaching cultural protocol.
Speaking on Sunday during his So Kan Wa Special radio programme on Agidigbo Fm alongside guests, Hamzat sarcastically faulted Obi’s choice of words, describing it as an affront to Yoruba tradition.
“Yoruba people, Ibadan indigenes, Obi has disrespected you. He called Olubadan, a royal head, my friend,” Hamzat said in the broadcast.
The Ibadan-based presenter stressed that his remarks were not aimed at obstructing Obi’s political ambitions but at defending the dignity of the throne.
“I am not hindering him from getting votes, I am just informing them,” he added.
Hamzat further argued that even President Bola Tinubu avoided casual expressions when addressing the monarch.
“The President did not call him my friend, maybe he said brother. Olubadan has now turned to my father,” he said.
His criticism echoes earlier comments by former presidential aide Reno Omokri, who labelled Obi’s words as evidence of “lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish.”
Similarly, Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, said Obi’s remark showed “cultural ignorance and political arrogance.”
The backlash triggered wide debate on social media, with some Nigerians faulting Obi for a breach of tradition, while others defended his use of informal language as a gesture of warmth.
Obi, however, clarified his intention in a post on Sunday, insisting he never meant to slight the throne.
“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 wrote.
He explained that he often addresses respected individuals as “my dear elder brother,” citing his affectionate references to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, as an example.
“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,” Obi noted, stressing that his words were “borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”
The controversy comes amid national attention on the coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, an event that has drawn congratulatory messages from political and cultural leaders across the country.
