Peter Obi has responded to Nigerians who on Saturday, September 28, criticized him over the goodwill message he posted online congratulating the Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Rasheed Ladoja.
In the congratulatory message he posted, Obi described the monarch as ‘’Dear brother”, a remark some condemned him for. According to his critics, the monarch is now father to all and should not be addressed as a brother.
Responding to his critics, Obi in a statement released on his X handle today, September 28, said there was no disrespect intended in his goodwill message.
‘’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.
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 and for whom I have tremendous respect. I always refer to His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, as my very dear elder brother in the same affectionate manner.
In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill. -PO”
