Ondo palace warning monarch as Okeluse kingdom cautions against disrespectful address of Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II

The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a stern warning to the general public against what it described as growing disrespect towards its traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, insisting that he must be addressed strictly by his full royal title.

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The warning was contained in a statement released on Friday by Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, Chief of Staff to the monarch, amid concerns that some individuals have been addressing the 22-year-old king in a casual and demeaning manner.

Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II ascended the throne of his forefathers at the age of 16 while still a secondary school student, making him one of the youngest reigning monarchs in Yorubaland.

According to the palace, references to the monarch as “bro”, “blood” or similar informal expressions amount to disrespect and will no longer be tolerated.

Prince Olorunfemi stressed that the age of the monarch does not diminish the sacredness of the throne or the reverence accorded to it under Yoruba tradition.

He warned that continued disregard for proper royal protocol would attract firm and decisive action from the palace.

He added that the king’s calm disposition and tolerance should not be misconstrued as weakness or permission for misconduct, especially by individuals who claim cultural affinity with the Yoruba people.

The statement emphasised that, regardless of social status, age or position, all persons are obligated to show respect to the monarch, whom the palace described as Igbakeji awon orisa, a representative of the gods on earth.

The palace further noted that respect for the throne is inseparable from the preservation of Yoruba heritage, culture and identity.

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Residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the wider public were urged to conduct themselves with decorum and uphold the dignity of the palace at all times, as respect for the monarch remains non-negotiable.