A young Yoruba king has achieved a remarkable milestone, combining royal responsibilities with university education to earn a degree at the age of 23.
The Arujale-Ojima of Okeluse Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, has graduated from Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with a degree in Political Science.
The 23-year-old monarch graduated on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, seven years after ascending the throne at the age of 16 following the death of his father. His achievement has attracted attention online, with many Nigerians celebrating his determination to pursue higher education while serving as a traditional ruler.
From teenage king to university graduate
Oba Akinghare’s journey is an unusual blend of traditional leadership and academic ambition.
After becoming the ruler of Okeluse Kingdom in 2019, the young monarch continued his education while attending to his responsibilities in the palace.
His experience as a university student offered a different perspective on his life beyond the throne. In an interview with BBC Yoruba earlier in 2026, he spoke about his student life, including how he navigated university routines while maintaining his position as a traditional ruler.
In May 2026, the monarch disclosed that he had successfully defended his final-year project at the university’s Department of Political Science.
Reflecting on the challenges of combining both responsibilities, he acknowledged that balancing academic work with palace duties required sacrifice, discipline and resilience.
He also expressed gratitude to his family, chiefs, associates and friends for their support throughout his academic journey.
Ooni of Ife, other prominent monarchs attend ceremony
The graduation ceremony attracted several prominent traditional rulers, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
Among those in attendance were 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.
The university’s 14th convocation reportedly produced 2,194 graduands across undergraduate, professional and postgraduate programmes, making it the institution’s largest graduating class to date.
Young king’s university journey inspires Nigerians
Videos and photographs from the convocation ceremony circulated online, drawing congratulatory messages from social media users.
Many celebrated the monarch for demonstrating that traditional leadership does not have to stand in the way of academic advancement.
His journey from ascending the throne as a teenager to completing a university degree has also renewed conversations about the importance of education among young leaders and public figures.
Palace previously warned against calling him ‘bro’ or ‘blood’
In January 2026, the young monarch attracted public attention after his palace issued a statement cautioning people against addressing him with informal expressions such as “bro” or “blood”.
The statement, issued through his Chief of Staff, Prince Adefemi Michael Olorunfemi, insisted that he should be addressed as “His Royal Majesty”.
The palace maintained that his young age should not be used as a reason to disregard the dignity of his office, warning that disrespectful forms of address would not be tolerated.
The directive sparked discussions online about royal protocol, respect for traditional institutions and the relationship between age and authority.
A milestone beyond the crown
Oba Akinghare’s graduation marks another important chapter in his life, demonstrating how he has pursued his educational goals while carrying the responsibilities of the Okeluse throne.
His achievement is a reminder to young Nigerians that determination, discipline and perseverance can help them pursue their ambitions despite demanding responsibilities.
Congratulations to His Royal Majesty, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, on this remarkable academic achievement.
