Ooni’s Palace Denies Conferring Chieftaincy Title On Baba Ijesha

The palace of the Ooni of Ife has dismissed claims by Nollywood actor James Olarenwaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, that he was conferred with a chieftaincy title by the monarch.

In a recent statement, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said while the actor was presented with a car by the monarch, he was unaware of any chieftaincy title being bestowed on him.

“I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car,” Olafare said while reacting to the actor’s announcement.

Baba Ijesha had announced on his Facebook page that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, honoured him after the birth of his son by presenting him with several gifts, including a new car and what he described as a chieftaincy title.

The actor thanked the monarch for what he called a demonstration of fatherly love and royal honour extended to him and his wife, fashion designer Abiodun Tokunbo, popularly known as Luminee.

According to Baba Ijesha, he was bestowed with the title, “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa, Ile Ife, Ile Oodua.”

However, Olafare maintained that the Ooni is well known for giving out cars to deserving individuals, noting that the gesture was not unusual. He said several people, including traditional rulers and notable personalities, had benefited from similar gifts from the monarch.

A palace source also dismissed the claim that Baba Ijesha received a formal chieftaincy title, insisting that such honours are not conferred in the manner described by the actor.