The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom, Ondo State, has warned the general public against the disrespectful modes of addressing the 22-year-old traditional ruler of the community, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.
This is contained in a statement issued on behalf of the palace on Friday by the Chief of Staff to the traditional ruler, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi.
The statement emphasised that the monarch must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times, warning that any deviation from this would not be tolerated.
According to the statement, some people are hiding under the guise of addressing the monarch as “bro or blood” particularly to disrespect him.
“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.
“Kindly note that Alayeluwa Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II is to 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 Yoruba land does not give room for disrespect in any form.
“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. Such actions will be met with strong and decisive measures.
“His Majesty’s leniency and calm disposition should not be mistaken for weakness, nor should it be taken as permission to do the wrong thing. Especially for those who call themselves Yoruba, we should know better.
“Culture, tradition, and respect for constituted authority are values we must uphold at all times.
“Regardless of your status, age, or position in society, the king must be respected. This is non-negotiable. His Royal Majesty is not just our father; he is Igbakeji awon orisa, the representative of the gods on earth. The throne he occupies is sacred, and respect for the throne is respect for our heritage and identity as a people.
“We urge everyone, within and outside Okeluse Kingdom, to conduct themselves accordingly and uphold the dignity of the palace and the person of His Royal Majesty. Respect for the throne is non-negotiable,” the statement stated.
Thefrontrank reports that Oba Akinghare ascended the throne of his forefathers at age 16 as a secondary school student.
The kingship fell on him as the only son out of four children of his late father who was the traditional ruler of the town.
