The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom has issued a firm directive to the public, insisting that the 22-year-old traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II – widely regarded as the youngest king in Yorubaland – must be addressed exclusively as His Royal Majesty.
In a statement released on Friday, the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, condemned the growing use of casual and informal terms such as “bro” or “blood” when referring to the king, describing them as disrespectful 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 monarch’s youth should never serve as an excuse for laxity in protocol.
“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 cautioned against mistaking the king’s calm and tolerant demeanor for weakness, especially among those who claim familiarity with Yoruba customs.
“Our customs demand 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 called on residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the wider public to uphold the sanctity of the monarchy through proper conduct, reiterating that respect for the throne is a cornerstone of Yoruba heritage.
Oba Akinghare ascended the throne in 2019 at the age of 16, while still a secondary school student, following the death of his father, the previous monarch. As the only son among four children, tradition dictated his immediate succession.
Kingmakers promptly installed him, a decision ratified by the Ondo State Government. He has since completed his secondary education and continues to embody a blend of youthful energy and traditional authority.
