The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom, Ondo State, has issued a firm directive to the general public on how the young monarch, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, must be addressed, insisting on full royal protocol at all times.
According to the palace, the 22-year-old traditional ruler must be addressed strictly as “His Royal Majesty,” with any form of casual reference such as “bro,” “blood,” or similar expressions strongly condemned.
The directive was made public in an official statement released on Friday by the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, who expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of disrespect masked as familiarity.
Arujale-Ojime Palace issues strong warning
In the statement, Prince Olorunfemi noted that while the monarch is youthful, his age should not be used as an excuse to undermine the dignity of the throne or disregard long-established cultural norms.
He stressed that the traditional institution remains sacred and must be treated with utmost reverence, regardless of modern influences or informal social trends.
“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,” the statement read.
“Kindly note that Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II is to be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times.”
Casual titles described as disrespectful
The palace further described the use of casual titles as inappropriate and unacceptable, warning that such language undermines the authority of the monarch and disrespects Yoruba traditional values.
“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 statement emphasised.
It added that such expressions are increasingly being used as a guise for disrespect and could attract decisive action if they persist.
Respect for monarchy tied to Yoruba culture
The palace also highlighted that respect for the king is central to preserving Yoruba culture and tradition, noting that the monarch occupies a spiritual and cultural position that goes beyond ordinary leadership.
According to the statement, the Arujale-Ojime is regarded as a representative of the gods on earth and a custodian of the town’s sacred heritage, making proper conduct towards the throne non-negotiable.
Residents, visitors, and members of the public were therefore urged to conduct themselves appropriately whenever they interact with or refer to the monarch.
Young monarch’s ascension to the throne
Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II ascended the throne at the age of 16 following the death of his father.
His emergence as king was reportedly approved by the relevant kingmakers as well as the Ondo State government, in line with traditional and legal procedures.
Despite his young age, the palace maintains that his authority remains absolute within the cultural framework of the kingdom.
Palace calls for public cooperation
The Arujale-Ojime’s directive forms part of broader efforts to reinforce cultural decorum and restore respect for traditional institutions in the region.
The palace concluded by calling on all residents of Okeluse Kingdom and visitors alike to uphold the dignity of the throne, warning that continued disregard for royal protocol would not be overlooked.
The statement reaffirmed that honouring the monarch is not merely a formality but a duty tied to the preservation of history, culture, and identity of the people.