The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has cautioned members of the public against what it described as inappropriate and disrespectful ways of addressing the town’s traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, stressed that the 22-year-old king must be formally addressed as His Royal Majesty at all times, warning that any other form of address would no longer be tolerated.
He noted that some individuals were disguising disrespect by referring to the monarch as “bro” or “blood,” actions the palace described as unacceptable.
The statement read, “I write in my capacity as Amb. Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, Chief of Staff to the Arujale-Ojima of Okeluse Kingdom, Ondo State, to address an important matter that requires the attention of the general public. Kindly note that Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II is to be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times.
“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.
“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. Such actions will be met with strong and decisive measures. 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. Especially for those who call themselves Yoruba, we should know better. Culture, tradition, and respect for constituted authority are values we must uphold at all times.
“Regardless of your status, age, or position in society, the king must be respected. This is non-negotiable. His Royal Majesty is not just our father; he is Igbakeji awon orisa, the representative of the gods on earth. The throne he occupies is sacred, and respect for the throne is respect for our heritage and identity as a people.”
The palace urged residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public to consistently uphold the dignity of the throne, emphasising that reverence for the monarch is essential to preserving Yoruba culture and tradition.
“We urge everyone, within and outside Okeluse Kingdom, to conduct themselves accordingly and uphold the dignity of the palace and the person of His Royal Majesty. Respect for the throne is non-negotiable,” the statement added.
Oba Akinghare ascended the throne at the age of 16 while he was still a secondary school student.
He became king as the only son among four children of his late father, who previously ruled the town.
In line with the custom of the ancient community, which stipulates that the first son of a deceased monarch automatically succeeds him, the teenager was crowned without delay.
The kingmakers subsequently presented him as the new ruler of Okeluse, a decision that received the formal approval of the Ondo State Government.
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