The palace of the Arujale-Ojima of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a firm warning to members of the public over what it described as disrespectful forms of address directed at the young monarch, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.
In a statement released on Friday by the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, the palace stressed that the 22-year-old ruler must be addressed strictly as “His Royal Majesty” at all times, warning that any other form of address would no longer be tolerated.
The statement expressed concern that some individuals have been referring to the monarch using casual terms such as “bro” or “blood,” which the palace described as inappropriate and disrespectful, regardless of the king’s young age.
Prince Olorunfemi noted that being the youngest monarch in Yoruba land does not diminish the sacredness of the throne or excuse disrespect in any form. He warned that continued use of such informal expressions could attract decisive actions from the palace.
The palace further emphasized that Oba Akinghare represents the cultural and spiritual authority of the people, describing him as Igbakeji awon orisa—the representative of the gods on earth. According to the statement, respect for the monarch is non-negotiable and central to preserving Yoruba culture, tradition, and identity.
Residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public were urged to conduct themselves appropriately and uphold the dignity of the throne at all times.
Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II ascended the throne at the age of 16 while still a secondary school student, following the death of his father. As the only son of the late monarch, tradition required him to automatically assume the throne, a decision later affirmed by the kingmakers and approved by the Ondo State Government.
