Oriyomi Hamzat accuses Peter Obi of disrespecting Yoruba culture in Olubadan message
By Adejayan Gbenga –
Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has accused former Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, of disrespecting Yoruba culture with his congratulatory message to the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Obi, in his goodwill note on Saturday, addressed the monarch as “my dear brother.” The phrase immediately drew criticism on social media, where many argued it breached cultural protocol expected when addressing a royal father.
Hamzat, speaking on his So Ko Wa Special programme on Agidigbo FM on Sunday, faulted Obi’s choice of words, describing it as an affront to Yoruba tradition and a slight against the dignity of the Ibadan throne.
“Yoruba people, Ibadan indigenes, Obi has disrespected you. He called the Olubadan, a royal head, ‘my friend,’” Hamzat said, adding that his remarks were not politically motivated but intended to defend cultural values.
The broadcaster also compared Obi’s remarks with President Bola Tinubu’s message, noting that the President avoided informal expressions when congratulating the Olubadan.
His position was echoed by other public figures, including former presidential aide Reno Omokri, who described Obi’s words as evidence of “lack of cultural sensitivity,” and Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, who said the remark showed “cultural ignorance and political arrogance.”
Responding to the criticism, Obi clarified his intention in a statement on Sunday. He explained that he never meant to slight the throne, stressing that he often addresses respected individuals as “my dear elder brother,” including traditional rulers like the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.
Obi maintained that his message to Oba Ladoja was borne out of goodwill, not disrespect, adding that he respects protocol and authority and always strives to adhere to them.
The controversy comes as the nation celebrates the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, a ceremony that has attracted political and cultural leaders from across the country.
