The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a strong warning to members of the public over what it described as improper and disrespectful ways of addressing the traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.
In a statement released on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, emphasised that the king must be addressed only as His Royal Majesty, stressing that any informal or casual references would no longer be tolerated.
He noted that some individuals had been referring to the monarch with terms such as “bro” or “blood,” which he described as a deliberate attempt to undermine the dignity of the throne.
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.
“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 consistently uphold the dignity of the throne, stressing that reverence for the monarch remains central to preserving Yoruba customs and traditions.
READ ALSO:
- Tonto Dikeh Thanks Ex-Husband Churchill for Motherhood in Heartfelt Post
- FIFA Fines Nigeria, DR Congo Over World Cup Play-Off Incidents
- Oscar 2026: Full Results Featuring ‘One Battle After Another’ and More
- Davido Responds To Disturbing School Bullying Footage
- Mother’s Day: Sanwo-Olu Commends Mothers for Building Future Generations
“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, following the death of his father, the former monarch of the town.
As the only son among four children, tradition required that he automatically succeed his late father. The kingmakers promptly affirmed his emergence as the new ruler, a decision that was subsequently approved by the Ondo State Government.