Why is it ironic that Oedipus refers to the citizens as his children?

Because he is the father of his own siblings. And he was the death of his parents.

Answer: The correct answer is : Because he is the father of his own siblings.

Explanation: Oedipus should fulfill a prophecy about his life:

would be king of Thebes

he would kill his father, Layo

he would marry his mother, Yocasta, with whom he had 2 sons and 2 daughters

Yocasta ends with her own life, Oedipus blinds himself and asks his brother-in-law Creon to let him go to exile and take care of his daughters. Oedipus' family was cursed because of his father.