(DDM) – The newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has publicly clarified that he harbors no resentment against Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his widely debated reference to him as a “brother.”
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the monarch made his stance known during a phone conversation with Professor Pius Abioje, a scholar of religion, who later shared details of their discussion in a video posted on TikTok.
The controversy arose after Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flag bearer, referred to the new Olubadan as his “brother and friend.”
The remark immediately triggered backlash from certain commentators who accused Obi of being disrespectful to Yoruba royalty.
Among those who criticized Obi were social commentator Reno Omokri and popular broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat, who argued that the phrase was inappropriate and diminished the reverence due to the Olubadan stool.
Their comments quickly spread across social media, fueling heated debates among supporters and critics of Obi.
However, Oba Ladoja, in his conversation with Prof. Abioje, dismissed the claims of disrespect and affirmed his close relationship with Obi.
The monarch reportedly asked rhetorically: “Why should I be angry with Peter Obi calling me his brother and friend? Am I not his brother and friend?”
He further reinforced his position with a Yoruba proverb, saying: “It is somebody who does not want to have a king as a friend that would not want his friend to become a king.”
The statement underscored the monarch’s belief that friendship and respect can coexist with kingship.
The Olubadan’s response is now seen as a decisive clarification that may calm tensions surrounding the remark.
His words highlight that he does not perceive Obi’s choice of language as disrespectful, but rather as a reflection of cordial brotherhood and friendship.
Background checks show that Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, was recently installed as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland after the passing of his predecessor.
His ascension has attracted national attention, given his political background and influence across Yorubaland.
Peter Obi, who has built cross-regional political alliances, has maintained relationships with several traditional rulers in Nigeria.
His description of the monarch as his brother was widely seen as a gesture of familiarity and respect, though misinterpreted by some commentators.
The swift reaction from critics reflects Nigeria’s sensitive political climate, where statements from public figures often attract intense scrutiny, especially when intertwined with cultural traditions and royal protocols.
With the Olubadan’s clarification, political observers note that the controversy may now be laid to rest, allowing Obi’s supporters to point to the monarch’s own words as proof that no offense was taken.
Oba Ladoja’s calm response also underscores the importance of mutual understanding between political leaders and traditional institutions.
It illustrates how direct communication from the source of an alleged controversy can quickly douse tensions in an era of social media-driven narratives.
For many Nigerians, the Olubadan’s statement may serve as a reminder that cultural respect does not always require rigid formalities, and that personal bonds between leaders and monarchs can transcend public criticism.
The post Oba Ladoja Clears Air On Peter Obi’s ‘Brother’ Remark, Says He Holds No Grudge
DDM News
first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
