Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has clarified his recent goodwill message to the newly crowned traditional ruler, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Obi had described the monarch as his “dear brother” in a congratulatory message, a phrase that drew criticism from some quarters who saw it as a breach of protocol in addressing a royal figure.
In a statement released on Sunday via his official X handle, Obi explained that the words were used out of goodwill and affection, not disrespect.
“I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. 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 stated.
He further explained that he often uses the expression “my dear elder brother” when addressing individuals close to him and for whom he holds deep respect. Obi added that he had similarly referred to other monarchs in affectionate terms, including Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, whom he frequently calls his “very dear elder brother.”
“In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill,” Obi emphasized.
