Cletus Clement

Certainly, no disrespect intended in my goodwill Message to His Royal Majesty. I felicitated with my dear elder brother, the newly crowned, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. 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. I always refer to His Royal Majesty Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, as my very dear elder brother in the same affectionate manner. In matters of wrongdoing, motive is important. I assure all that my words were borne out of untrammelled goodwill. -PO