Ondo's youngest Yoruba king, 23, bags ABUAD political science degree
- Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II of Okeluse Kingdom graduated from Afe Babalola University on Wednesday.
- He became king in 2019 at 16 and studied while ruling, earning a Political Science degree.
- The Ooni of Ife, Ekiti governor and other traditional rulers attended the Ado-Ekiti ceremony.
A young Ondo State monarch has finished what many students only dream of balancing with a full-time job: a university degree. Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, the Arujale-Ojima of Okeluse Kingdom, graduated on Wednesday from Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) with a degree in Political Science.
The 23-year-old is widely described as one of the youngest traditional rulers in Yorubaland. He took the throne in 2019 at 16, after his father died, and has spent the years since moving between palace duties and lecture halls.
His convocation drew senior traditional rulers and political figures. According to the reports, 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, were present. Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji was also at the event, Legit.ng reported.
The university's graduating class this year was put at 2,194 students, said to be its largest ever.
Why it matters
For many Nigerians, the story is a reminder that education can run alongside duty, even one as demanding as a throne. It also puts a spotlight on Okeluse, a small kingdom in Ondo State, and on the growing number of young people stepping into traditional leadership.
The monarch has been open about student life, sharing moments on social media and speaking to BBC Yoruba earlier this year about juggling both roles. Online, Nigerians congratulated him, with some joking about whether a king would still go for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
His palace has also made clear that youth does not mean familiarity. In January, his Chief of Staff, Prince Adefemi Olorunfemi, said members of the public should stop addressing him as "bro" or "blood", insisting on "His Royal Majesty" and warning that disrespectful terms could attract firm measures.
Punch reported that the king's father died before he took the throne; neither outlet gave further details of his studies or his next steps.
What happens next
No date has been announced for any further ceremony or for the monarch's plans after graduation. For now, the young king returns to Okeluse with a crown and a degree.
