‘Please don’t refer to me as bro,’ Nigeria’s youngest Yoruba king cautions

Oba Oloyede Akinghare II, recognized as the youngest traditional ruler among the Yoruba people, is the Arujale-Ojima of Okeluse Kingdom located in Ondo State. He has recently cautioned the public to treat his royal position with the respect it deserves.

Ascended to the throne at the tender age of 16 upon the passing of his father, Adeyeoba Omomogbe (Akinghare I), he conveyed this warning via a post on his Instagram account. The young monarch emphasized that he would no longer tolerate informal or disrespectful ways of addressing him.

His statement comes in response to ongoing concerns regarding how some individuals relate to him, considering his youth. Traditionally in Nigeria, many kings assume their roles in their late 40s or beyond, as prevailing succession customs tend to privilege age and lengthy waiting periods, making younger kings exceptionally uncommon.

Nevertheless, there are notable exceptions, such as the case of Dein Keagborekuzi I of Agbor Kingdom in Delta State, who began his reign at the age of just two in 1979 and later earned recognition from Guinness World Records as the youngest crowned monarch.

In a message made public via his Instagram platform and approved by his Chief of Staff, Adefemi Olorunfemi, the young king reaffirmed that any form of informal address would be firmly addressed. He remarked, "Please be informed that His Royal Majesty Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare is to be addressed as such under all circumstances. Any other form of address is considered unacceptable. My status as the youngest king in Yorubaland does not excuse any form of disrespect. Terms like ‘bro,’ ‘blood,’ or any other casual expressions are completely inappropriate and will not be tolerated."

He continued, "Consequences will follow any acts of disrespect. His Majesty’s calm and patient disposition should not be interpreted as weakness, nor should it be viewed as an invitation to misbehave. Those who claim Yoruba heritage should know better. We must cherish our culture, traditions, and the respect owed to established authorities at all times."

The traditional ruler clarified that this warning applies to everyone, irrespective of age, status, or societal role. Mr. Akinghare reaffirmed that respect for his throne is mandatory.

"No matter your social standing, age, or position, the king must be treated with respect. This is non-negotiable. His Royal Majesty is not merely our father but also Igbakeji Awon Orisa, representing the gods on Earth.

The throne he occupies is hallowed, and honoring it means honoring our cultural heritage and identity as a people. We encourage everyone, regardless of their location within or outside the Okeluse Kingdom, to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the dignity of the palace and the person of His Royal Majesty," he stated.

In closing, Oba Akinghare II noted, "As the only male descendant among my father’s offspring, I was chosen to succeed him. After a community-based selection process overseen by traditional kingmakers, the late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, presented me with the staff of office."