“Call Me Your Majesty, Not ‘Bro’”: Young Ondo Monarch Issues Respect Warning

The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a firm warning to the public over what it describes as growing disrespect towards the traditional throne.

In a statement released on Friday, the palace cautioned against addressing the monarch, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, with casual expressions such as “bro” or “blood,” insisting that the ruler must be formally addressed as His Royal Majesty at all times.

The statement, signed by the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, described the informal references as attempts to diminish the dignity and authority 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,” the statement said. “Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II is to be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty. Any deviation from this is unacceptable.”

The palace stressed that the monarch’s age should not be used as an excuse for disrespect. Oba Akinghare, who is 22, is widely regarded as one of the youngest traditional rulers in Yorubaland.

According to the palace, the youthfulness of the king does not in any way diminish the sacred nature of the throne he occupies.

“The fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yorubaland does not permit casual or demeaning forms of address. Such conduct will no longer be tolerated and will attract firm and decisive action,” the statement warned.

Prince Olorunfemi further cautioned that the monarch’s calm disposition should not be mistaken for weakness, particularly by those who claim to understand Yoruba customs and traditions.

“Our culture demands respect for constituted authority. Regardless of age 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 is sacred,” he said.

The palace urged residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public to uphold the dignity of the monarchy, describing respect for the throne as central to preserving Yoruba cultural heritage.

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 him to succeed his late father.

He was subsequently presented by the kingmakers and formally approved by the Ondo State Government.