Stop Addressing Me as ‘Bro’ or ‘Blood’, 22-Year-Old Ondo Monarch Warns Public

In a move to preserve the sanctity of traditional rulership, the palace of the Arujale-Ojime of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State has issued a firm directive to the public, cautioning against the use of casual and disrespectful terms when addressing the young monarch, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II.

The 22-year-old ruler, who ascended the throne at the tender age of 16, has been the subject of informal addresses such as “bro” or “blood,” which the palace deems inappropriate and a deliberate attempt to undermine his authority. In a statement released on Friday by the Chief of Staff to the monarch, Amb. Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, the palace emphasized that the king must be referred to strictly as “His Royal Majesty” at all times.

“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,” 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.”

Prince Olorunfemi highlighted that the monarch’s youth—making him the youngest king in Yorubaland—should not be an excuse for disrespect. “The fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yoruba land does not give room for disrespect in any form,” he 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. Such actions will be met with strong and decisive measures.”

The palace further reminded the public of the cultural significance of the throne, describing the Oba as “Igbakeji awon orisa,” the representative of the gods on earth. “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,” the statement added.

Oba Akinghare’s ascension to the throne is a story rooted in tradition and circumstance. As the only son among four children of his late father, the previous monarch, he inherited the position automatically upon his father’s passing, in line with the customs of Okeluse Kingdom. At the time, he was still a secondary school student, but the kingmakers promptly installed him, with the Ondo State government’s approval following swiftly.

The young monarch has since balanced his royal duties with his education and has been recognized for his composure and dedication to preserving Yoruba heritage.

The warning has sparked widespread reactions on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where Nigerians have shared mixed opinions. A post by popular account @yabaleftonline garnered over 5,000 likes and hundreds of replies, with many users humorously defying the directive by responding with terms like “blood” or “bro.” For instance, one user quipped, “We hear you blood,” accompanied by a meme, while another posted a video saying, “Blud made it worse by saying that.”

However, supporters of the monarch argued in favor of cultural respect. “He is right. He is now a monarch and should be addressed as such,” one commenter noted. Others criticized the casual attitude, with remarks like “Title people and pride na 5 & 6,” highlighting the tension between modernity and tradition.

The palace concluded by urging residents of Okeluse Kingdom and the broader public to uphold the dignity of the throne. “Regardless of your status, age, or position in society, the king must be respected. This is non-negotiable,” the statement affirmed. “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.”

This incident underscores the ongoing debate in Nigeria about blending youthfulness with traditional institutions, especially in Yorubaland, where monarchs are seen as custodians of cultural identity. As social media continues to amplify voices, the call for respect remains a pivotal aspect of preserving Nigeria’s rich heritage.