Nigerian broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has stirred conversations online after stating that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, disrespected the Yorubas and the Ibadan community by addressing the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as “My Dear Brother.”
The comment came after Peter Obi sent a goodwill message to the monarch following his grand coronation on Friday, September 26, 2025. While many had praised Obi for his show of respect and goodwill, Oriyomi Hamzat insisted that such a choice of words was inappropriate and disrespectful to Yoruba culture and Ibadan traditions.
According to Hamzat, calling a traditional monarch “My Dear Brother” diminishes the respect that should be accorded to such a highly revered figure. During his program, he and his guests debated Obi’s remark extensively, questioning why the former presidential candidate would choose such words when even the sitting president and other top leaders never addressed Yoruba kings in such a manner.
Reno Omokri’s scathing reaction
Hamzat’s position echoed that of political commentator Reno Omokri, who earlier criticized Peter Obi over the same remark. Omokri described Obi’s words as inappropriate, stressing that they were “the wrong choice” when addressing a king. He went further to argue that such tendencies showed Obi lacked the cultural sensitivity required of a president, claiming Obi would never ascend to the position of Nigeria’s leader.
Peter Obi’s response to critics
In response to the criticisms, Peter Obi clarified his choice of words, stating that referring to Oba Ladoja as “My Dear Brother” was not an attempt to undermine Yoruba culture or disrespect the throne. Instead, he explained that it was a personal expression of closeness, as both men share a strong bond of friendship and mutual respect dating back years.
Despite Obi’s explanation, Hamzat maintained his stance, insisting that the remark was culturally inappropriate. He claimed that Obi’s words sent the wrong message to Yoruba people and could be seen as a slight against Ibadan’s traditional values.
The controversy has since sparked heated reactions online, with some Nigerians agreeing with Hamzat and Omokri, while others believe Obi’s critics are blowing the matter out of proportion. Many argue that Obi’s intent was affectionate, not disrespectful, and that his friendship with the monarch gives context to his choice of words.
@AsakyGRN, who shared a clip of Hamzat’s remarks online, quoted him as saying:
“Peter Obi disrespected the Yorubas and the Ibadan people by calling the Olubadan ‘My brother.’”
Watch video below …
“Peter Obi disrespected the Yorubas and the Ibadan people by calling the Olubadan ‘My brother'”
— Oriyomi Hamzat. pic.twitter.com/yV67o4VwZt
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) September 28, 2025