The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has dismissed reports claiming he conferred a chieftaincy title on Nollywood actor and comedian James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.
The monarch clarified that although he hosted the actor and his wife at the palace to celebrate the birth of their son, no traditional title was bestowed on him during the visit.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, the royal father explained that Baba Ijesha was received warmly as one of the palace’s distinguished guests and was presented with a brand-new car and cash gifts as an expression of fatherly affection and royal generosity.
According to the statement, the phrase “Awada Konge Oduwa,” which Baba Ijesha later described on social media as a chieftaincy title, was merely a humorous remark made by the Ooni during a light-hearted conversation in recognition of the actor’s contributions to comedy.
The Ooni stressed that the remark was never intended to serve as a formal conferment of a traditional title.
He noted that while Baba Ijesha, being an indigene of Ile-Ife, is worthy of honour and may be considered for a chieftaincy title in the future, no such honour has been conferred on him.
“The conferment of chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife is a sacred traditional process guided by established customs, consultations and traditional rites, all of which are carried out publicly in line with the age-long traditions of the source. None of these procedures took place during Baba Ijesha’s visit to the palace,” the statement said.
The Ooni also urged media organisations and members of the public to disregard reports suggesting that Baba Ijesha had been installed as the “Awada Konge Oduwa” or granted any chieftaincy title.
While appreciating the actor for acknowledging the royal kindness shown to him and his family, Oba Ogunwusi reaffirmed his commitment to recognising and supporting deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and the entire Oodua race, while preserving the dignity, sanctity and integrity of the traditional institution of chieftaincy.
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