Obi disrespects Yoruba culture, critics say, after calling Oba Rasheed Ladoja “brother” instead of father, sparking outrage over breach of tradition.
Commentators argue that Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor, erred by referring to the 81-year-old monarch as his “brother,” rather than as a father or elder, a title deeply rooted in Yoruba and African tradition.
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Observers contrasted Obi’s deference to other political leaders and senior statesmen, such as Goodluck Jonathan (67), Atiku Abubakar (76), and Charles Soludo (65), whom he respectfully acknowledged as “elder brothers.”
Critics now accuse him of inconsistency and of diminishing Yoruba royalty by choosing a more casual tone with Oba Ladoja.
Cultural commentators insist that Yoruba monarchs occupy ancestral thrones that transcend friendship or brotherhood.
“Our royalties are fathers, not playmates. They sit on thrones, not benches of camaraderie,” one analyst noted.
In African tradition, elders are regarded as custodians of wisdom, and monarchs, particularly octogenarians, are considered father figures.
Critics warn that by stripping Oba Ladoja of his symbolic reverence through casual words, Obi risks alienating Yoruba audiences and projecting disdain for cultural protocols.
The controversy has ignited a wider debate on respect, hierarchy and political conduct. Many argue that in African culture, it is the elder who stretches out his hand before the younger dares attempt a handshake.
Thus, they believe Obi should have waited for the monarch to call him “brother,” not the other way around.
Supporters of Obi have, however, defended him, claiming his choice of words was not intended to cause disrespect.
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Nonetheless, the phrase has added a new layer of scrutiny to his political style at a time when cultural sensitivity remains vital in Nigeria’s diverse landscape.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
