The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has directed the public to address the 22-year-old traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, strictly as “His Royal Majesty,” warning that casual or disrespectful titles would no longer be tolerated.
In a statement released on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, condemned the growing trend of referring to the young king as “bro” or “blood,” describing it as highly inappropriate and disrespectful.
Prince Olorunfemi said, “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 casual or demeaning expressions is unacceptable and will be met with strong measures. His Majesty’s calm disposition should not be mistaken for weakness.”
The palace emphasized that the king, as Igbakeji awon orisa and the representative of the gods on earth, occupies a sacred throne, and respect for him is a reflection of Yoruba heritage and identity.
The statement urged all residents and visitors to uphold the dignity of the monarch and the palace at all times.
Oba Akinghare ascended the throne at age 16 while still a secondary school student, following the tradition that the first son of a deceased monarch automatically inherits the kingship. He was officially pronounced the ruler by the town’s kingmakers, with the state government’s approval.
The palace called on the people of Okeluse Kingdom and the wider public to maintain decorum, stressing that respect for the throne and the young king is non-negotiable for preserving culture and tradition.
