Following the backlash from millions of Nigerians over how the 2023 Labour Party’s Presidential candidate Peter Obi addressed the newly installed Olubadan, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. Peter Obi has said he did not intend to disrespect the highly placed king.

Peter Obi, via his X handle, says ‘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.

‘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’.

‘In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill.