The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has clarified that he meant no disrespect in his recent message to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Obi’s message comes amid backlash, with many taking offence at his reference to the traditional ruler as “my dear elder brother”.
In a post on X on Sunday morning, the former Anambra governor disclosed that he uses the expression above when addressing those close to him.
Obi ended the post by saying that his words were borne out of goodwill.
“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,” he stated.
The post No disrespect intended in message to Olubadan – Peter Obi appeared first on The Sun Nigeria.
