By Peter Omopo
The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a warning to members of the public against addressing the monarch, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, with informal or casual terms, describing such conduct as disrespectful.
The warning was contained in a statement released on Friday by the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, who stressed that the 22-year-old king must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times.
According to the palace, some individuals have been referring to the monarch with expressions such as “bro” or “blood” under the guise of familiarity, a practice it said would no longer be tolerated.
Prince Olorunfemi explained that the monarch’s young age should not be mistaken as an excuse for disrespect, noting that Oba Akinghare is entitled to full royal protocol regardless of his age.
“Addressing His Royal Majesty with casual or demeaning expressions is highly inappropriate and unacceptable,” the statement said, adding that such actions would attract “strong and decisive measures.”
The palace further emphasised that the monarch’s calm disposition should not be misconstrued as weakness, urging members of the public, particularly those of Yoruba descent, to uphold cultural values, tradition and respect for constituted authority.
It stated that the king, as the representative of the gods on earth, occupies a sacred throne, and that respect for the monarch is inseparable from respect for Yoruba heritage and identity.
Residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public were urged to conduct themselves appropriately and uphold the dignity of the palace, stressing that respect for the throne is non-negotiable.
Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II ascended the throne at the age of 16 following the death of his father, the former monarch. As the only son among four children, he was proclaimed king in line with the town’s tradition, with his emergence subsequently approved by the Ondo State Government.
