The Arujale-Ojime palace of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a stern warning against any form of disrespect toward its 22-year-old monarch, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.
Oba Oloyede ascended the throne at age 16 while still a secondary school student, making him one of the youngest kings in Yoruba land. In a statement released on Friday, the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, emphasised that the king must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times, warning that any deviation would no longer be tolerated.
Prince Olorunfemi highlighted that some individuals have been addressing the monarch with informal terms like “bro” or “blood,” under the guise of friendliness, which the palace described as disrespectful and unacceptable.
“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,” the statement read.
“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. 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. Culture, tradition, and respect for constituted authority are values we must uphold at all times,” the palace added.
The statement further stressed that Oba Oloyede is Igbakeji awon orisa, a representative of the gods on earth, and the throne he occupies is sacred. Residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public were urged to uphold the dignity of the monarch as a central pillar of Yoruba culture and tradition.
“Regardless of your status, age, or position in society, the king must be respected. This is non-negotiable. Respect for the throne is respect for our heritage and identity as a people,” the palace concluded.
