The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified that he meant no disrespect in his goodwill message to His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

In a post on his verified X handle on Sunday, Obi explained that he often uses the phrase “my dear elder brother” when addressing people he is close to and holds in high regard.

“I have read the concerns of those aggrieved by what they considered improper addressing. 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,” Obi wrote.

He further stated that he uses the same affectionate expression for His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, underscoring that it is his consistent style of communication.

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