The palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a stern warning to members of the public over what it described as disrespectful forms of address directed at the traditional ruler, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.

In a statement released on Friday, the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, said the king must be addressed strictly as His Royal Majesty at all times, stressing that any deviation from this would no longer be tolerated.

According to the palace, some individuals have been addressing the 22-year-old monarch with casual terms such as “bro” or “blood,” a practice it described as inappropriate and disrespectful.

“I write in my capacity as Chief of Staff to the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom to address an important matter that requires the attention of the general public,” the statement read.

“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 Yorubaland does not give room for disrespect in any form.

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.”

The palace warned that such acts would attract “strong and decisive measures,” adding that the monarch’s calm and lenient disposition should not be mistaken for weakness.

“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,” the statement added.

It further emphasized that respect for the monarch was non-negotiable, regardless of an individual’s age, status, or position in society.

“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,” the palace said.

The palace also called on residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the general public to uphold the dignity of the throne, stressing that reverence for the monarch remains central to the preservation of Yoruba culture and tradition.

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

As the only son among four children, tradition required that he automatically succeed his father. The kingmakers subsequently pronounced him the new monarch of Okeluse Kingdom, a decision later approved by the Ondo State Government.