Peter Obi faces criticism from Oriyomi Hamzat and others for addressing Olubadan as “my dear brother,” sparking debate over cultural sensitivity

Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has accused former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of disrespecting Yoruba culture with his congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Also read: Obi Stirs Outrage with Remarks on Olubadan Ladoja

Obi, in his goodwill note on Saturday, referred to the monarch as “my dear brother,” a phrase that quickly stirred controversy on social media, with critics calling it a breach of cultural protocol.

Speaking on his So Kan Wa Special programme on Agidigbo FM, Hamzat described Obi’s choice of words as an affront to Yoruba tradition.

“Yoruba people, Ibadan indigenes, Obi has disrespected you. He called Olubadan, a royal head, my friend,” Hamzat said, adding that his comments were aimed at defending the dignity of the throne rather than obstructing Obi’s political future.

He further argued that even President Bola Tinubu had exercised caution in his remarks to the Olubadan, avoiding casual expressions.

Hamzat’s criticism echoed earlier remarks from former presidential aide Reno Omokri, who called Obi’s words evidence of “lack of cultural sensitivity,” and Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for the FCT Minister, who described them as “cultural ignorance and political arrogance.”

The backlash has sparked heated debate online. While some Nigerians fault Obi for breaching tradition, others argue that his informal language was a gesture of warmth and humility.

Clarifying his intention in a Sunday post, Obi insisted he meant no slight to 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.

Obi explained that he frequently uses such expressions as terms of endearment, citing how he addresses the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, as “my dear elder brother.”

“I respect protocol and authority, and I try, as much as possible, to adhere to them,” he noted, stressing that his words were “borne out of untrammelled goodwill.”

Also read: Olubadan-Designate Ladoja Reflects on 31-Year Journey

The controversy comes amid national attention on Oba Ladoja’s coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, a ceremony that has drawn congratulatory messages from political and cultural leaders across Nigeria.