The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a firm warning to the public against what it described as disrespectful forms of address directed at the 22-year-old traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.
In a statement released on Friday by the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, the palace stressed that the king must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times, warning that any other form of address would no longer be tolerated.
The palace noted that some individuals were hiding under the guise of familiarity by calling the monarch “bro” or “blood” in ways considered disrespectful.
“I write in my capacity as Amb. Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, Chief of Staff to the Arujale-Ojima of Okeluse Kingdom, Ondo State, to address an important matter that requires the attention of the general public. Kindly note that Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II is to be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times,” the statement read.
“Any other form of address is unacceptable. The fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yoruba land does not give room for disrespect in any form.
“Addressing our revered monarch with terms such as ‘bro,’ ‘blood,’ or any casual or demeaning expressions is highly inappropriate and will no longer be tolerated. Such actions will be met with strong and decisive measures. His Majesty’s leniency and calm disposition should not be mistaken for weakness, nor should it be taken as permission to do the wrong thing.
“Especially for those who call themselves Yoruba, we should know better. Culture, tradition, and respect for constituted authority are values we must uphold at all times.
“Regardless of your status, age, or position in society, the king must be respected. This is non-negotiable. His Royal Majesty is not just our father; he is Igbakeji awon orisa, the representative of the gods on earth. The throne he occupies is sacred, and respect for the throne is respect for our heritage and identity as a people.”
The palace called on residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public to always uphold the dignity of the throne, stressing that respect for the monarch remains central to the preservation of Yoruba culture and tradition.
“We urge everyone, within and outside Okeluse Kingdom, to conduct themselves accordingly and uphold the dignity of the palace and the person of His Royal Majesty. Respect for the throne is non-negotiable,” the statement added.
Oba Akinghare ascended the throne of his forefathers at the age of 16 while still a secondary school student.
The kingship fell to him as the only son among four children of his late father, who was the monarch of the town.
In line with the tradition of the ancient community, which requires the first son of a deceased monarch to automatically succeed him, the teenager was proclaimed king by the town’s kingmakers, a decision later formally approved by the Ondo State Government.
Elijah Adeyemi
