Yoruba monarch warns public against addressing him with ‘demeaning’ expressions as “bro and blood”

Thursday, January 22, 2026 - The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom, Ondo State, has issued a stern warning to the general public to stop addressing the 22-year-old traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, with demeaning and inappropriate expressions.

Oba Akinghare ascended the throne in 2020 at age 16 after the d3ath of his father, making him the youngest monarch in Yoruba land. 

He graduated from secondary school in 2022. 

In a statement issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026, by the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, the palace reiterated that everyone must strictly address the king as His Royal Majesty at all times, regardless of their status, age, or position in society.

According to him, addressing the monarch as “bro or blood” or other demeaning expressions will no longer be tolerated, warning that such actions will be met with strong and decisive and measures.

He noted that the fact that Oba Akinghare is the youngest king in Yoruba land does not warrant disrespect.

“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," the statement read. 

“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 called on residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public to always uphold the dignity of the throne, stressing that respect for the monarch remained central to the preservation of 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.