Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has hit back at critics after faulting Peter Obi’s choice of words during the coronation of the new Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The controversy started when Obi, in his goodwill message, addressed the monarch as “my dear brother.” Though Obi later explained it was meant as a mark of respect and closeness, Oriyomi insisted it was inappropriate to address a newly crowned king so casually.
The stance drew backlash online, but Oriyomi doubled down on X:
“It seems many of you are just hearing about Oriyomi Hamzat. Permit me to remind you. I am Awi Koko loju ọlọrọ. I belong to everyone, and I belong to nobody. Through it all, I remain Oriyomi Hamzat, ọmọ Ọba Adewọlu Ladoja. My dear brothers and sisters, good night.”
In another post, he added:
“Quick one, let me school those who don’t know me: There are few media personalities who criticize government the way I do. Ina ni mi, mi ò mọ́n ẹni tó dá mi. If you take a few seconds from a 2-hour program to judge me or twist it to set an agenda, that’s your business. Please tune into Agidigbo FM 88.7, Ibadan for Sokan wa tomorrow. Oke Ibadan a gbe wa ooo.”
The broadcaster’s fiery defence has kept the debate alive, with some praising his boldness and others saying he crossed the line.
