Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat has responded to critics who came after him for faulting Peter Obi’s choice of words following the coronation of the new Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
The controversy began when Obi, during his goodwill message, referred to the monarch as “my dear brother.”
While Obi later clarified that the remark was meant as an expression of respect and personal closeness, Oriyomi argued that it was inappropriate and disrespectful to address a newly crowned king in such a casual manner.
His position sparked a backlash online, with many accusing him of unfairly attacking the Labour Party presidential candidate. But Oriyomi doubled down, taking to his X handle to school his critics.
“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,” he wrote.
In a follow-up 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 conversation alive, with supporters praising him for speaking boldly while critics argue that he crossed the line in questioning Obi’s remark.