The Arujale-Ojima of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, on Wednesday graduated from Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with a degree in Political Science.
The 23-year-old monarch, widely recognised as one of the youngest traditional rulers in Yorubaland, graduated on Wednesday, seven years after ascending the throne at the age of 16.
The monarch graduated at the university’s convocation ceremony, which attracted prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III; the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III; and the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado.
Akinghare became the traditional ruler of Okeluse Kingdom in 2019 following the death of his father. He continued his academic journey alongside his royal responsibilities, sharing moments from his university life on social media over the years.
His interview with BBC Yoruba in 2026 offered glimpses into his experiences as a student, showing a different side of the young monarch beyond his duties on the throne.
His graduation has attracted attention online, with social media users celebrating his academic achievement and his journey from becoming a king as a teenager to completing his university education.
The ceremony reportedly saw 2,194 students graduate, making it the largest graduating class in the university’s history.
Earlier in January 2026, the monarch made headlines after his palace issued a directive against informal forms of address.
In a statement, the monarch’s Chief of Staff, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, warned members of the public against addressing Akinghare with casual terms such as “bro” or “blood”.
The palace insisted that he should be addressed as “His Royal Majesty”, stressing that “the fact that His Royal Majesty is the youngest king in Yoruba land does not give room for disrespect in any form.”
The statement added that such expressions would no longer be tolerated and could attract “strong and decisive measures”.
Akinghare’s graduation marks another milestone in his journey, having combined his university education with his responsibilities as the traditional ruler of Okeluse Kingdom.
