The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has warned the public against addressing the traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, in informal or disrespectful ways.
In a statement on Friday, the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, said the 22-year-old king must always be formally addressed as His Royal Majesty, stressing that casual or derogatory terms would no longer be tolerated.
The palace noted that some people have been referring to Oba Akinghare with expressions like “bro” or “blood,” actions described as undermining the dignity of the throne.
“I write on behalf of the palace to draw the attention of the general public to an issue that must be corrected immediately. Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II is to be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times. Any deviation from this is unacceptable,” the statement read.
Prince Olorunfemi emphasized that the king’s young age does not reduce his authority, warning that using casual or demeaning terms will attract firm and decisive action.
“The fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yorubaland does not permit any form of disrespect. Addressing the king as ‘bro’ or ‘blood’ is highly inappropriate and will no longer be condoned,” he said.
He added that the monarch’s calm and tolerant nature should not be mistaken for weakness. “Our customs demand respect for constituted authority. Regardless of age, status, or social standing, respect for the king is non-negotiable. His Royal Majesty is Igbakeji awon orisa, the representative of the gods on earth. The throne he occupies is sacred, and honouring it preserves our cultural identity,” Prince Olorunfemi said.
The palace called on residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the public at large to uphold the dignity of the monarchy, stressing that respect for the throne is central to Yoruba heritage.
Oba Akinghare became king at the age of 16 while still in secondary school, following the death of his father. As the only son among four children, tradition required that he succeed his father. The kingmakers promptly presented him as the new ruler, a decision later ratified by the Ondo State Government.
