Stop Calling Me “Bro” or “Blood” – 22-Year-Old Ondo Monarch Oba Akinghare II Warns Public
The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a stern warning to the public against addressing the traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, in informal or disrespectful ways. In a statement released on Friday, the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, stressed that the 22-year-old king must always be referred to as His Royal Majesty, cautioning that casual or derogatory forms of address would no longer be tolerated. The palace noted that some individuals have been calling the young monarch “bro” or “blood,” actions described as attempts to undermine the dignity of the throne. “I write on behalf of the palace to draw the attention of the general public to an issue that must be corrected immediately. Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II is to be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times. Any deviation from this is unacceptable,” the statement said. Prince Olorunfemi emphasized that the king’s youth does not lessen his authority, noting that age is not a measure of respect for the throne. “The fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yorubaland does not permit any form of disrespect. Using casual or demeaning terms such as ‘bro’ or ‘blood’ is highly inappropriate and will attract firm and decisive action,” the statement added. He also highlighted that the monarch’s calm and tolerant nature should not be misinterpreted as weakness. “Our customs demand respect for constituted authority. Regardless of age, status, or social standing, respect for the king is non-negotiable. His Royal Majesty is Igbakeji awon orisa, the representative of the gods on earth. The throne he occupies is sacred, and honouring it preserves our cultural identity,” Prince Olorunfemi said. The palace urged residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the wider public to always uphold the dignity of the monarchy, stressing that respect for the throne is central to Yoruba heritage. Oba Akinghare ascended the throne at age 16 while still in secondary school, following the death of his father. As the only son among four children, tradition required that he succeed his late father. The kingmakers promptly presented him as the new ruler, a decision later ratified by the Ondo State Government.