Nollywood actor James Olarenwaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has disclosed that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, presented him with a brand-new car, luxurious gifts and a chieftaincy title following the birth of his son.
The actor made the revelation in a Facebook post on Thursday, where he expressed appreciation to the monarch for what he described as a warm reception, fatherly support and the honour bestowed on him and his wife, fashion designer Abiodun Tokunbo, popularly known as Luminee.
In the post, Baba Ijesha thanked the Ooni for the gifts and recognition, saying he was deeply humbled by the monarch’s generosity.
“My deepest gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife. Baba, thank you for the royal welcome, fatherly love, and the confidence you gave my wife Afolashade Omiyinka and I,” he wrote.
He added, “For the luxurious gifts you blessed us with, and the brand new car — I am truly humbled. As a son of the soil, I’m also honoured by the chieftaincy title, Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. Ile Ife, Ile Oodua! … ATI IJOYE PELU GBOGBO OMO ILE IFE THANK YOU SIR/MA.”
The announcement comes weeks after Baba Ijesha and Luminee drew widespread attention on social media following the birth of their son.
Luminee had first announced the baby’s gender on June 13, 2026, without revealing the identity of the child’s father. Two days later, she confirmed the birth of the child and subsequently shared maternity photographs featuring herself and Baba Ijesha, prompting congratulatory messages from fans and colleagues.
Baba Ijesha was released from prison in November 2025 after serving a three-year jail term following his conviction for indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault of a minor.