₦airaland Forum

Peter Obi Refers to Oba as Brother: Disrespectful or Not?

A congratulatory message from Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has triggered debate online about culture, respect, and politics.

On his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi wrote:

> “I warmly congratulate my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. His ascension to this revered throne is a celebration for the people of Ibadan and a source of pride for the entire Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.”



While many praised Obi’s warm words and emphasis on unity, the phrase “my dear brother” has divided opinions.

Some commentators argue that calling a first-class Yoruba monarch “brother” amounts to a breach of cultural etiquette. In Yoruba tradition, monarchs are regarded as sacred figures and custodians of heritage. According to this line of thought, equating the Olubadan with a political colleague risks trivialising the throne’s reverence.

Others, however, see no disrespect. They point out that Obi and Oba Ladoja share a long history of friendship and political collaboration dating back to their days as governors. To them, “brother” reflects personal closeness, not an attempt to diminish the monarch’s office. Supporters also note that Obi’s broader message was filled with respect, prayers, and admiration for the Olubadan.

The debate reveals a deeper tension: should public figures strictly follow cultural protocols in all settings, or can personal bonds and modern expressions coexist with tradition?

So, what do you think — was Peter Obi’s “my dear brother” a mark of humility and familiarity, or a subtle show of cultural insensitivity?

Very wrong and inconsiderate...


He should refer to him as sister

So, he should call him eyim or nwanne or aboki or egbon. Which one will please you and massage your sekf elevated ego?

Does the oba wear crown to bath or does he wear his regalia to poop? Ordinary human with fleeting breath.

Obi should not take his cho cho cho reach our royal father side. Oba Olubadan is not your mate, he is old enough to your father.

If you need attention, go and famz with your mates and leave our royal father out of this.

May reign of Olubadan be long, peaceful and prosperous.

Kabiyesi fun Olubadan tuntun, Oba Rasheed Ladoja.

Tho strongly Anti-Obidient.
I would say that things like this brings us down to their level, we can't be getting involved in this kinda thrash.
This is childish. We are condemning this Obidient minions for this same thing

No, we won't over look big things like this. No one forced him or asked him to congratulate our Oba, let him accord him the proper respect or he keep shut.

Exousiang01:
Tho strongly Anti-Obidient.
I would say that things like this brings us down to their level, we can't be getting involved in this kinda thrash.
This is childish. We are condemning this Obidient minions for this same thing

He should have used my dear Sister or my dear enemy.

Some people's level of pettiness is legendary

TechToyin:
Peter Obi Refers to Oba as Brother: Disrespectful or Not?

A congratulatory message from Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has triggered debate online about culture, respect, and politics.

On his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi wrote:

> “I warmly congratulate my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. His ascension to this revered throne is a celebration for the people of Ibadan and a source of pride for the entire Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.”



While many praised Obi’s warm words and emphasis on unity, the phrase “my dear brother” has divided opinions.

Some commentators argue that calling a first-class Yoruba monarch “brother” amounts to a breach of cultural etiquette. In Yoruba tradition, monarchs are regarded as sacred figures and custodians of heritage. According to this line of thought, equating the Olubadan with a political colleague risks trivialising the throne’s reverence.

Others, however, see no disrespect. They point out that Obi and Oba Ladoja share a long history of friendship and political collaboration dating back to their days as governors. To them, “brother” reflects personal closeness, not an attempt to diminish the monarch’s office. Supporters also note that Obi’s broader message was filled with respect, prayers, and admiration for the Olubadan.

The debate reveals a deeper tension: should public figures strictly follow cultural protocols in all settings, or can personal bonds and modern expressions coexist with tradition?

So, what do you think — was Peter Obi’s “my dear brother” a mark of humility and familiarity, or a subtle show of cultural insensitivity?

The salutation is in order. Ladoja has just been coronated. He was a brother in politics before the coronation. Therefore, Obi introduced him as a brother first before exulting him as an Oba. Henceforth, Obi has to be formal

He should have called him god or what?

Na old people dem dey appoint as Olubadan

Jobless individual find fault in what people those.

madridguy:
Obi should not take his cho cho cho reach our royal father side. Oba Olubadan is not your mate, he is old enough to your father.

If you need attention, go and famz with your mates and leave our royal father out of this.

May reign of Olubadan be long, peaceful and prosperous.

Kabiyesi fun Olubadan tuntun, Oba Rasheed Ladoja.

So brother now denotes peer or age mate
Na wa oooo
See brains na
You are very intelligent (opposite) bro

madridguy:
Obi should not take his cho cho cho reach our royal father side. Oba Olubadan is not your mate, he is old enough to your father.

If you need attention, go and famz with your mates and leave our royal father out of this.

May reign of Olubadan be long, peaceful and prosperous.

Kabiyesi fun Olubadan tuntun, Oba Rasheed Ladoja.

This is one of your Yoruba brothers accusing your Oba of collecting money from Atiku in 2023 and confirming he will do the same in 2027. We didn't also see your comment when Sanwo-olu's special adviser referred to Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivor as a monkey just because he attended the coronation. You all only come alive when it's against an Igbo man.

P.S: Here are Tinubu and Atiku also referring to him as brother but Obi can't do the same because he's Igbo?

So monarch in Yorubaland can not have friends or brothers?

fuckingAyaya:
He should have called him god or what?

Yes!

That’s the honest simple answer 🤨🙄🙄

madridguy:
No, we won't over look big things like this. No one forced him or asked him to congratulate our Oba, let him accord him the proper respect or he keep shut.

you yourself did not accord him the proper respect
Peter obi addressed him as Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, Olubadan of Ibadanland , what other title does he have?

All those drawing arguments from this should have in mind that Obi is Igbo with a different mindset. Besides, should be have called him his 'enemy '? Or you're saying all this because Obi is running for presidency?

You guys should grow up

He should have said "my guy" simple!

helinues:
He should have used my dear Sister or my dear enemy.

Some people's level of pettiness is legendary

Toh.

Helinues I greet you

madridguy:
Obi should not take his cho cho cho reach our royal father side. Oba Olubadan is not your mate, he is old enough to your father.

If you need attention, go and famz with your mates and leave our royal father out of this.

May reign of Olubadan be long, peaceful and prosperous.

Kabiyesi fun Olubadan tuntun, Oba Rasheed Ladoja.

Don't mind him. Somebody old enough to be his grandfather

madridguy:
No, we won't over look big things like this. No one forced him or asked him to congratulate our Oba, let him accord him the proper respect or he keep shut.

Continue messing yourself up.
better use your kafa

You guys fight over irrelevant things.

The insecurity in Kwara state is becoming worrisome but it doesn't bother you guys.

How the mighty has fallen

madridguy:
No, we won't over look big things like this. No one forced him or asked him to congratulate our Oba, let him accord him the proper respect or he keep shut.

We may soon hear that all Igbos have 48 hours to vacate Ibadan if an apology is not received within 48 hours lol

madridguy:
Obi should not take his cho cho cho reach our royal father side. Oba Olubadan is not your mate, he is old enough to your father.

If you need attention, go and famz with your mates and leave our royal father out of this.

May reign of Olubadan be long, peaceful and prosperous.

Kabiyesi fun Olubadan tuntun, Oba Rasheed Ladoja.

Babablu Bulabu

Peter Obi should be very careful with these people

TechToyin:
Peter Obi Refers to Oba as Brother: Disrespectful or Not?

A congratulatory message from Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has triggered debate online about culture, respect, and politics.

On his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi wrote:

> “I warmly congratulate my dear brother, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. His ascension to this revered throne is a celebration for the people of Ibadan and a source of pride for the entire Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.”



While many praised Obi’s warm words and emphasis on unity, the phrase “my dear brother” has divided opinions.

Some commentators argue that calling a first-class Yoruba monarch “brother” amounts to a breach of cultural etiquette. In Yoruba tradition, monarchs are regarded as sacred figures and custodians of heritage. According to this line of thought, equating the Olubadan with a political colleague risks trivialising the throne’s reverence.

Others, however, see no disrespect. They point out that Obi and Oba Ladoja share a long history of friendship and political collaboration dating back to their days as governors. To them, “brother” reflects personal closeness, not an attempt to diminish the monarch’s office. Supporters also note that Obi’s broader message was filled with respect, prayers, and admiration for the Olubadan.

The debate reveals a deeper tension: should public figures strictly follow cultural protocols in all settings, or can personal bonds and modern expressions coexist with tradition?

So, what do you think — was Peter Obi’s “my dear brother” a mark of humility and familiarity, or a subtle show of cultural insensitivity?

Very wrong. He should have referred to him as his aunt.

Sophisticated hypocrites una

Very disrespectful!

Tinubu and Atiku used same. But na only obi u focus on. Head dey pain you