Stop Addressing Me As ‘Bro’ or ‘Blood’: 22-Year-Old Ondo Monarch Warns Public Against Disrespect
By Oludare Joshua
The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom, Ondo State, has issued a firm warning to the general public against what it described as disrespectful and inappropriate modes of address directed at the traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Amb. Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, the palace stressed that the monarch must be addressed strictly as “His Royal Majesty” at all times, noting that any form of casual or derogatory address would no longer be tolerated.
The palace expressed concern that some individuals have been deliberately addressing the young monarch with informal terms such as “bro” or “blood” under the guise of familiarity, an act it described as a clear sign of disrespect to the throne.
According to the statement, “I write in my capacity as the Chief of Staff to the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom to address an important matter requiring the attention of the general public. Kindly note that 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 fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yorubaland does not in any way justify disrespect. Addressing our revered monarch with terms such as ‘bro,’ ‘blood,’ or other casual or demeaning expressions is highly inappropriate and will no longer be tolerated. Such acts will be met with firm and decisive measures.”
The palace further warned that the monarch’s calm and tolerant disposition should not be mistaken for weakness, adding that respect for traditional institutions remains a core value of Yoruba culture.
“His Majesty’s leniency should not be taken as permission to act wrongly. Those who identify as Yoruba should know better. Culture, tradition, and respect for constituted authority are values we must uphold at all times,” the statement noted.
It emphasized that respect for the monarch is non-negotiable, regardless of an individual’s age, social status, or position, describing the king as “Igbakeji awon orisa”—the representative of the gods on earth.
“The throne His Royal Majesty occupies is sacred. Respect for the throne is respect for our heritage, identity, and cultural values as a people,” the palace added.
The palace called on residents of Okeluse Kingdom and members of the public to always conduct themselves with decorum and uphold the dignity of the palace, stressing that respect for the monarch remains central to the preservation of Yoruba culture and tradition.
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, who was the immediate past monarch of the town.
As the only son among four children, tradition of the ancient kingdom required that he automatically succeed his late father. The kingmakers subsequently installed him as the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom, a decision that received the express approval of the Ondo State Government.
Since then, the palace noted, the monarch has continued to uphold the values of peace, culture, and traditional authority in the kingdom.
