The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has warned members of the public to desist from addressing the traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, with casual or informal terms, describing such conduct as disrespectful.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, who stressed that the 22-year-old ruler must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times.
Olorunfemi said the palace had observed with concern that some individuals, under the guise of familiarity, had taken to addressing the monarch with terms such as “bro” and “blood,” which he said were unacceptable.
According to the statement, the age of the monarch should not be used as an excuse to undermine the dignity of the throne or the cultural values of the Yoruba people.
“Any form of address outside His Royal Majesty is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated,” the statement read.
“The fact that Kabiyesi is the youngest king in Yorubaland does not in any way permit disrespect.
His calmness and humility should not be mistaken for weakness.”
The palace warned that continued disregard for the traditional mode of address would attract decisive action, adding that respect for the throne remained non-negotiable, regardless of an individual’s age or social status.
The statement further described the monarch as a sacred symbol of authority, noting that he occupies a revered position as the representative of the gods and custodian of the people’s heritage.
The palace urged residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public to uphold the dignity of the stool, emphasising that respect for the monarch was central to the preservation of Yoruba culture and tradition.
Oba Akinghare ascended the throne at the age of 16 while still a secondary school student, following the death of his father, who was the previous monarch of the town.
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As the only son of the late ruler, tradition required that he succeed his father.
The kingmakers subsequently installed him as the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse, a decision later approved by the Ondo State Government.
