Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has clarified his congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, after facing backlash on social media.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that Obi had, in his goodwill message on Saturday, referred to the monarch as “my dear elder brother,” a phrase many saw as disrespectful to Yoruba traditional institutions.

The former Anambra governor’s choice of words drew criticism from several quarters, which was described as a breach of cultural protocol.

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, faulted Obi’s address, saying it demonstrated “lack of cultural sensitivity and diplomatic polish.”

He argued that royal fathers should be accorded full respect in both private and public communications.

Similarly, media aide to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Lere Olayinka, described Obi’s expression as evidence of “cultural ignorance and political arrogance,” noting that beyond protocol, the Olubadan was far older than Obi and deserved to be addressed with the full weight of his traditional authority.

The backlash sparked debates on social media, with many Nigerians weighing in on whether Obi’s style of informal endearment was appropriate when addressing a revered monarch.

However, responding in a post via his official X handle on Sunday, Obi clarified that his words were never intended to slight the throne, stressing that his message was borne out of goodwill.

“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 that he often uses the expression “my dear elder brother” to address individuals close to him and for whom he has tremendous respect, citing his frequent affectionate references to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, in similar terms.

“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,” he noted.

“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill,” Obi added.

Obi’s clarification comes as part of the growing national attention around the coronation of Oba Ladoja as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, which has drawn congratulatory messages from leaders across political and cultural spheres.