The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has warned members of the public against disrespecting or improperly addressing its 22-year-old traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.
Oba Oloyede, who ascended the throne of his forefathers at the age of 16 while still a secondary school student, is currently regarded as the youngest monarch in Yorubaland.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, said the king must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times, stressing that any deviation would no longer be tolerated.
According to the palace, some individuals have been hiding under the guise of familiarity by addressing the monarch as “bro” or “blood,” a practice it described as disrespectful and inappropriate.
“I write in my capacity as Chief of Staff to the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom, Ondo State, to address an important matter that requires the attention of the general public,” the statement read. “Kindly note that Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II is to be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times. Any other form of address is unacceptable.”
The palace emphasised that the monarch’s young age does not diminish the sacredness of the throne or justify any form of disrespect.
“The fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yoruba land does not give room for disrespect in any form,” the statement said. “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.”
Prince Olorunfemi warned that such actions would be met with strong and decisive measures, adding that the king’s calm and lenient disposition should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Culture, tradition, and respect for constituted authority are values we must uphold at all times,” he said, particularly urging those who identify as Yoruba to conduct themselves appropriately.
The palace further stressed that respect for the monarch is non-negotiable, regardless of an individual’s age, status, or position in society.
“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 statement added.
The palace called on residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public to uphold the dignity of the throne, noting that reverence for the monarch remains central to the preservation of Yoruba culture and tradition.
