Youngest Yoruba Monarch Issues Final Warning Over Public Disrespect of His Throne
The Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, has issued a firm and unequivocal directive to Nigerians regarding the growing trend of addressing him casually due to his youthful age. The monarch, widely recognized as the youngest king in Yorubaland, expressed his profound displeasure through an official statement released by his Chief of Staff, Amb. Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi.
Palace Mandates Exclusive Use of Royal Title
The palace has declared that the monarch must be addressed exclusively as "His Royal Majesty", effectively banning popular slang terms and casual expressions that have become increasingly common. According to the statement, these reminders have become necessary following repeated instances where individuals have addressed the king in manners deemed highly disrespectful and inappropriate for his sacred office.
Prince Olorunfemi explicitly stated: "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." He emphasized that the king's youthful ascension to the throne—having become monarch in 2019 at just 15 years old following the death of his father, Oba Akinghare I, Adeyeoba Omomogbe—does not diminish the sacredness of the traditional institution he represents.
Sacred Status as Igbakeji Orisa
The statement further stressed that Oba Akinghare II is not merely a traditional ruler but holds the profound spiritual position of "Igbakeji Orisa"—second in command to the gods. This designation makes any form of disrespect directed toward the monarch a direct insult to Yoruba cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. The palace emphasized that showing proper respect to the throne is a fundamental cultural responsibility that every Yoruba person should uphold without debate or hesitation.
While acknowledging the king's well-known calmness and approachable demeanor, the palace issued a clear warning that these traits should not be mistaken for weakness. "His Majesty's leniency should not be taken as permission to do the wrong thing," the statement cautioned, adding that the monarch's patience has limits that should not be tested through continued disrespect.
Consequences for Disrespectful Behavior
The palace warned that any form of disrespect—whether originating from youths, social media users, visitors, or even indigenes of the kingdom—will attract "strong and decisive measures". This firm stance underscores the seriousness with which the traditional institution views the preservation of royal protocols and cultural dignity in contemporary society.
The statement, which was posted on the monarch's official social media pages, has sparked significant reactions across various platforms. Many social media users have expressed support for the palace's position, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural traditions and proper respect for traditional institutions regardless of a ruler's age.
Broader Context of Traditional Leadership
This development occurs within a broader context of traditional leadership transitions in Yorubaland. Notably, the Ogun State Government recently suspended the selection process for a new Awujale of Ijebuland, marking the second intervention by state authorities in the succession process. Such interventions highlight the delicate balance between traditional customs and contemporary governance structures in preserving cultural heritage.
The palace's firm directive serves as a powerful reminder that traditional institutions remain vital pillars of cultural identity and social cohesion in Nigeria. By insisting on proper protocols and respect, Oba Akinghare II is asserting the enduring relevance of Yoruba monarchy while addressing the unique challenges faced by a younger generation of traditional rulers navigating modern social dynamics.
