“Stop Calling Me ‘Bro, Blood’, 22-Year-Old Ondo Monarch Warns Public
•By Admin
IBADAN – THE palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a strong warning to members of the public against using what it described as disrespectful and informal modes of address when referring to the 22-year-old monarch, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.
In a statement released on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, stressed that the king must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty, adding that any deviation from this protocol would no longer be tolerated.
Prince Olorunfemi noted that some individuals have been addressing the monarch with casual expressions such as “bro” and “blood” under the guise of familiarity, an act he described as deliberate disrespect.
“I write in my capacity as Chief of Staff to the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom to address an important matter requiring the attention of the general public,” the statement read. “Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times. Any other form of address is unacceptable.”
The palace emphasised that the monarch’s young age should not be mistaken as a licence for disrespect, noting that Oba Akinghare II remains a sacred symbol of authority and tradition.
“Addressing our revered monarch with terms such as ‘bro,’ ‘blood,’ or any casual or demeaning expression is highly inappropriate and will no longer be tolerated,” the statement added. “His Majesty’s calm disposition should not be misconstrued as weakness.”
The palace further warned that such acts of disrespect would attract decisive measures, stressing that respect for the throne is non-negotiable regardless of an individual’s age, status, or position in society.
Describing the monarch as Igbakeji awon orisa—the representative of the gods on earth—the palace stated that respect for the king is central to preserving Yoruba culture, tradition, and identity.
Residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public were urged to uphold the dignity of the throne and conduct themselves appropriately at all times.
Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II ascended the throne at the age of 16 while still a secondary school student, 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 traditional succession process, a decision later approved by the Ondo State Government.