Ooni Debunks Baba Ijesha Chieftaincy Claim

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has dismissed reports that he conferred a chieftaincy title on Nollywood actor and comedian, James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, clarifying that no such honour was bestowed.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the monarch explained that the actor’s recent visit to the Ile Oodua Palace was purely a courtesy call to celebrate the birth of his child.

According to the palace, while Baba Ijesha and his wife were warmly received by the Ooni, the visit did not include any formal installation or conferment of a traditional title.

The clarification follows widespread reports and social media posts suggesting that the actor had been installed with a chieftaincy title described as “Awada Konge Oduwa.”

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The palace, however, stated that the phrase was merely a humorous remark made by the Ooni during a light-hearted interaction in recognition of the actor’s career as a comedian.

“The expression was never intended to constitute a formal installation or conferment of a traditional title,” the statement noted, urging the public to disregard any contrary claims.

It further revealed that the Ooni presented Baba Ijesha with a brand-new car and cash gifts during the visit as a gesture of goodwill and royal generosity, not as part of any traditional ceremony.

The monarch emphasised that the process of conferring chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife remains sacred and strictly guided by established customs, consultations, and traditional rites.

He stressed that none of the required procedures, which are typically conducted publicly and involve key stakeholders within the traditional institution, took place during the actor’s visit.

“Chieftaincy titles are not conferred casually. They follow laid-down processes that preserve the dignity and integrity of the institution,” the palace stated.

While noting that Baba Ijesha, as an indigene of Ile-Ife, remains eligible for recognition in the future, the Ooni maintained that no such title has been awarded at this time.

The palace also appreciated the actor for acknowledging the kindness shown to him and his family but cautioned against misrepresenting events at the palace.

Oba Ogunwusi reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the sanctity of the traditional institution while continuing to celebrate and support notable sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and the broader Oduduwa lineage.

He called on media organisations and the public to verify information before publication to avoid spreading misinformation about the revered throne.