The palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has officially refuted claims by popular Nollywood actor, James Olarenwaju, widely known as Baba Ijesha, regarding the conferment of a chieftaincy title. While acknowledging that the actor indeed received a new car from the revered monarch, palace officials firmly denied any knowledge of a formal chieftaincy installation.
The controversy emerged after Baba Ijesha took to his Facebook page to announce that the Ooni had honoured him with “several royal gifts,” including both a new car and a chieftaincy title, following the recent birth of his son. The actor expressed profound gratitude, describing the gesture as a display of “fatherly love and royal honour” extended to him and his wife, fashion designer Abiodun Tokunbo, popularly known as Luminee.
According to Baba Ijesha’s post, he was bestowed with the title, “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. Ile Ife, Ile Oodua!”
Palace Clarification: Car Gift Confirmed, Title Denied
Responding to inquiries from Saturday Beats, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, provided clarity on the matter. Olafare explicitly stated, “I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car.” He further elaborated on the Ooni’s philanthropic nature, noting that royal car gifts are a common practice.
- “Kabiyesi gives cars to people. This is not the first time,” Olafare explained. “He has given cars to so many people, including kings and individuals, and it is not a new thing.”
- He added that numerous individuals, including himself and notable personalities like Haruna Ishola and Sefiu Alao, have benefited from the monarch’s generosity, stating, “He gives out cars almost every day.”
Further reinforcing the palace’s position, another unnamed palace source dismissed Baba Ijesha’s chieftaincy claim, suggesting it was “probably a joke.” The source emphasized that traditional chieftaincy honours are not conferred in such an informal manner and reiterated, “I am not aware of the chieftaincy title.”
Baba Ijesha’s Recent Public Attention
This development unfolds as Baba Ijesha continues to capture public attention, primarily following the joyful arrival of his son. The actor recently shared a heartwarming video documenting his first family trip with his wife and their newborn child, expressing visible excitement.
In the video’s caption, he celebrated the milestone of embarking on a journey with his own family, affectionately praising his “beautiful queen” wife for her unwavering support. He concluded with prayers for divine protection over their home, wishing for long life and an unbreakable bond between them.
Despite the actor’s personal celebrations and expressions of gratitude, the Ooni’s palace maintains its stance, confirming the lavish car gift while unequivocally denying any formal chieftaincy conferment for Baba Ijesha.