The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has warned the public against informal or disrespectful ways of addressing the traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II
In a statement on Friday, the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, stressed that the 22-year-old king must always be formally addressed as His Royal Majesty, cautioning that any casual or derogatory forms of address would no longer be tolerated.
The palace noted that some people had been referring to the young monarch with terms like “bro” or “blood,” actions it described as attempts to undermine 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 said.
The palace emphasized that the king’s youth does not justify disrespect, pointing out that age does not diminish the sacred authority of the throne.
“The fact that His Royal Majesty is regarded as the youngest king in Yorubaland does not permit any form of disrespect. Addressing the king with casual or demeaning terms such as ‘bro’ or ‘blood’ is highly inappropriate and will no longer be condoned. Such conduct will attract firm and decisive action,” the statement added.
Prince Olorunfemi further noted that the monarch’s calm and tolerant nature should not be mistaken for weakness, particularly by those claiming to understand Yoruba customs and traditions.
“Our culture demands 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 is central to preserving our cultural identity,” he said.
The palace urged residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the public at large to uphold the dignity of the monarchy, emphasizing that respect for the throne is essential to Yoruba heritage.
Oba Akinghare ascended the throne at 16, while still in secondary school, following the death of his father, the previous monarch. As the only son among four children, tradition required that he succeed his father. The kingmakers presented him as the new ruler, a decision later ratified by the Ondo State Government.
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Why addressed a king as bro