The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has dismissed speculations of a fallout between him and former Anambra State Governor as well as Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Newsonspot reports that the clarification came through a TikTok video shared by renowned scholar, Prof. Pius Abioje, who recounted details of his phone conversation with the monarch.
Olubadan’s Stand on Obi
According to Prof. Abioje, when he asked whether the monarch was upset with Peter Obi, Oba Ladoja firmly rejected the speculation, describing Obi as his “brother and friend.”
“Who said that? Why should I be angry with Peter Obi for calling me his brother and friend? Am I not his brother and friend?” the Olubadan reportedly said.
The monarch also referred to a traditional saying, emphasizing:
“It is somebody who does not want to have a king as a friend that will not want his friend to become a king.”
Backlash Over Obi’s Tribute
This clarification follows backlash directed at Peter Obi after he publicly referred to the Olubadan as his brother while congratulating him on his coronation. Public figures such as Reno Omokri and broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat had criticized Obi, claiming the choice of words was inappropriate for addressing a traditional ruler.
However, Oba Ladoja’s remarks appear to have ended the controversy, affirming that he values Obi’s goodwill message and holds no grudge against him.
Prof. Abioje’s Account
Sharing his conversation, Prof. Abioje said:
“Some minutes ago, I made a phone call to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who was installed last Friday. I asked him, ‘Kabiyesi, is it true that you are angry with Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party?’ And he said, ‘No, who said that? Why should I be angry with Peter Obi for calling me his brother and friend? Am I not his brother and friend?’”
He added that the monarch reaffirmed the wisdom of the elders, stressing that anyone who refuses to acknowledge a king as a friend will also struggle to celebrate his friend’s rise to kingship.
