Royal Protocol Breach? Peter Obi Faces Backlash Over Olubadan Greeting.

Royal Protocol Breach? Peter Obi Faces Backlash Over Olubadan Greeting.

The Nigerian World

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Peter Obi has come under heavy criticism on social media for referring to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as “my dear brother” in a public congratulatory message.

Many Nigerians, particularly from the Yoruba cultural sphere, view this as a breach of protocol and tradition.

In Nigerian culture—especially within traditional institutions—age and status command deep respect.

Even a one-year age difference can influence how someone is addressed, let alone a revered monarch.

Oba Ladoja is 81 years old, while Peter Obi is 64.

In a separate post, many also noted that Obi referred to the Obi of Onitsha—who is of similar age to the Olubadan—as “my very dear father” in a public message extending his greetings.

This inconsistency has further fueled accusations of cultural insensitivity and selective reverence.

Critics argue that such inconsistencies reflect a lack of cultural understanding.

Rather than acknowledging the misstep, Obi’s supporters have continued to push a narrative that many see as un-Nigerian, uncultured, and dismissive of long-standing traditions.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland is not just a ceremonial figure or a regional king.

He is styled as His Imperial Majesty, a title that reflects the highest traditional authority in Ibadan and aligns with the reverence accorded to first-class monarchs in Nigeria.

Such a position is not to be casually referred to as anyone’s “brother.”

Some defenders of Obi point to President Bola Tinubu’s message, where he also referred to the Olubadan as “my brother.”

However, what they fail to mention—according to historians and traditional elders who analyzed both messages—is that Tinubu, who is the sitting President and a peer of Oba Ladoja in age and political history, also acknowledged the monarch’s title and status as “His Imperial Majesty.” That distinction matters.

Tinubu’s message, though familiar in tone, upheld the cultural reverence due to a king.

He did not reduce the Olubadan to a casual peer but recognized him as a royal figure deserving of respect.

Peter Obi, by contrast, is a private citizen and significantly younger than the monarch.

In Nigerian tradition, such gestures carry weight.

The backlash following Obi’s phrasing reflects the importance of honoring cultural norms—especially when addressing an 86-year-old, newly crowned king of Ibadanland.

Referring to the Ikubabayeye and His Imperial Majesty as “brother” has been widely seen as inappropriate.

In fact, after the initial backlash, when many expected Obi to lower the temperature and clarify his stance, he doubled down.

In a newly released apology, he again referred to a first-class monarch as “elder brother.”

This move has been described by some as tone-deaf and culturally dismissive.

According to Yoruba elders and cultural analysts, a first-class king—like any traditional ruler of high standing across Nigeria—is not to be casually referred to as anyone’s “brother.”

Such figures are custodians of heritage and symbols of authority, deserving of titles that reflect their status.

With the outcry growing louder across social media and traditional platforms, the expectation is clear: reverence, not familiarity.

How a king is addressed is not negotiable—it is defined by the title they bear.

This moment has reignited conversations about the importance of cultural literacy among public figures, especially when engaging with traditional institutions.

In a country where tradition still holds weight, titles matter—and so do the words chosen to honor them.

Yetunde B reports for Yeyetunde’s Blog. 

Footage: Oriyomi Agidigbo, 88.7 FM

Platforms: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Social Media

Images: Peter Obi, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Commentary & Reactions: Public posts and cultural analysts.