A 23-year-old traditional ruler in Ondo State, Oba Oloyede Adekoya Akinghare II, has celebrated his graduation from Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), where he studied Political Science.

The monarch, who is the Arujale-Ojima of Okeluse Kingdom in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, graduated during the university’s 14th convocation ceremony held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

His graduation marks a significant milestone in his academic journey, having combined his responsibilities as a traditional ruler with his university education.

Oba Akinghare ascended the throne in 2019 at the age of 16, following the death of his father. He continued his education after becoming king, attracting public attention for balancing academic commitments with royal duties.

In May 2026, the monarch spoke about the challenges of managing both responsibilities after successfully defending his final-year project in the university’s Department of Political Science.

He acknowledged that the journey required sacrifice, discipline and resilience, while expressing gratitude to his family, chiefs, friends and supporters for their encouragement.

His graduation ceremony also attracted prominent dignitaries, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

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The achievement has drawn attention to the possibility of pursuing higher education while carrying out traditional leadership responsibilities.

Source: “The Guardian-style background reporting via Tribune”