Stop addressing me as ‘Bro, Blood’ – 22-Year-Old Monarch warns public

The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has warned members of the public against what it described as disrespectful forms of address directed at the monarch, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the traditional ruler, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, emphasised that the 22-year-old monarch must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty, stressing that any deviation from this standard would no longer be tolerated.

The palace noted that some individuals have allegedly taken advantage of the king’s youth to address him casually with terms such as “bro” or “blood,” a practice it described as unacceptable and disrespectful.

“I write in my capacity as the Chief of Staff to the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom to draw the attention of the general public to an important issue,” 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 stressed that the monarch’s age should not be used as an excuse for disregard, noting that his status as one of the youngest kings in Yorubaland does not diminish the dignity of the throne.

“Addressing our revered monarch with expressions such as ‘bro,’ ‘blood,’ or any other casual or demeaning terms is highly inappropriate and will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said, warning that such actions would attract firm and decisive measures.

It added that the king’s calm disposition and leniency should not be mistaken for weakness or an invitation to flout tradition.

“For those who identify as Yoruba, we should know better. Respect for culture, tradition and constituted authority remains a core value of our heritage,” the palace stated.

Regardless of social status or age, the statement said respect for the monarch is non-negotiable, describing the king as Igbakeji awon orisa—the representative of the gods on earth.

“The throne is sacred. Respect for the throne is respect for our identity and heritage as a people,” it added.

The palace urged residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public to uphold the dignity of the throne at all times, stressing that reverence for traditional institutions remains central to the preservation of Yoruba culture.

Oba Akinghare ascended the throne at the age of 16 while still a secondary school student, following the death of his father, who was the former monarch of the town.

As the only son among four children, tradition dictated that he succeed his late father.

The kingmakers promptly installed him as the ruler of Okeluse Kingdom, a decision that subsequently received formal approval from the Ondo State Government.

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