The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a stern warning to members of the public over what it described as disrespectful forms of address directed at the traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.
In a statement released on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, said the 22-year-old king must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times, stressing that any deviation from the appropriate royal title would no longer be tolerated.
According to the palace, some individuals have been addressing the monarch with casual terms such as “bro” or “blood,” a practice it described as inappropriate and disrespectful.
“The fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yorubaland does not give room for disrespect in any form,” the statement said. “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.”
The palace warned that such conduct would attract decisive measures, adding that the monarch’s calm and accommodating nature should not be mistaken for weakness.
The statement further emphasised the importance of culture and tradition, particularly among the Yoruba people, noting that respect for constituted authority remains a core value that must be upheld.
“Regardless of status, age, or position in society, the king must be respected. This is non-negotiable,” the statement added.
Describing the throne as sacred, the palace noted that Oba Akinghare II is regarded as Igbakeji awon orisa—the representative of the gods on earth—stressing that respect for the monarch is synonymous with respect for the kingdom’s heritage and identity
