Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has responded after some people expressed annoyance at the way he addressed newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Those “aggrieved” described Obi’s address to Oba Ladoja as “improper”, however, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate said, he intended no “disrespect” in his congratulatory message to His Royal Majesty.
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday; his coronation was attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside, other top figures in the country.
Obi clarified, he referred to Oba Ladoja the same “affectionate manner” he refers to other traditional leaders, including, His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, whom he calls “my very dear elder brother”.
In his response on X, Obi said: “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.”
