iDeemlawfulThe palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a firm warning to the public over what it described as improper and disrespectful ways of addressing the 22-year-old monarch, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.
In a statement released on Friday, the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, said the king must be addressed only as His Royal Majesty at all times, stressing that any other form of address would no longer be accepted.
He explained that some individuals were disguising disrespect by referring to the monarch as “bro or blood,” a practice the palace said was unacceptable.
The statement read, “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.
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“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 urged residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the wider public to continually uphold the dignity of the throne, emphasising that reverence for the monarch remains vital to preserving 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 at the age of 16 while still a secondary school student.
The crown passed to him as the only son among four children of his late father, who was the previous monarch.
By the town’s long-standing tradition, the first son of a deceased monarch automatically succeeds the throne, leaving the teenager with the responsibility of kingship.
The kingmakers promptly declared him the new ruler of Okeluse, a choice that was subsequently approved by the Ondo State Government.