The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that he conferred a chieftaincy title on Nollywood actor and comedian, James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.
The monarch described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that although he hosted the actor and his wife at the palace and showered them with gifts, no traditional title was bestowed on him.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Mr Moses Olafare.
According to the statement, Baba Ijesha and his wife visited the palace on Wednesday following the birth of their son, where they received royal blessings from the monarch.
The Ooni said the visit was purely a congratulatory one and provided an opportunity for him to celebrate one of the sons of Ile-Ife who has built a successful career in the entertainment industry.
During the visit, the monarch presented Baba Ijesha with a brand-new car and cash gifts as a mark of appreciation and fatherly support.
However, the palace explained that contrary to reports circulating online, no chieftaincy title was conferred on the actor.
The statement noted that confusion arose after Baba Ijesha referred to “Awada Konge Oduwa” on his social media platforms as a chieftaincy title.
According to the Ooni, the expression was only a humorous remark made during a relaxed interaction with the actor in recognition of his talent and long-standing contribution to comedy.
The monarch explained that the phrase was never intended to serve as a formal installation or conferment of any traditional title.
Oba Ogunwusi stressed that chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife are not conferred casually or through informal conversations.
He explained that the installation of chiefs follows a well-established traditional process that includes consultations, customary rites and public ceremonies conducted in line with the customs of the ancient kingdom.
“The conferment of chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife remains a sacred traditional process governed by established customs, consultations and traditional rites, which are publicly conducted in accordance with the age-long traditions of the source.
“None of these customary procedures took place during the actor’s visit to the Palace,” the monarch said.
The Ooni, however, noted that Baba Ijesha remains a respected indigene of Ile-Ife and could be considered for a traditional title in the future if circumstances permit.
He said the actor deserves recognition as one of the sons of the ancient town who has distinguished himself in his profession.
“However, no such title has been conferred on him,” the statement added.
The monarch also thanked Baba Ijesha for appreciating the kindness shown to him and his family during their visit to the palace.
He urged journalists, bloggers and members of the public to disregard reports claiming that Baba Ijesha had been installed as the “Awada Konge Oduwa” or given any other chieftaincy title.
The palace appealed to social media users to verify information before sharing it, especially reports involving traditional institutions whose activities are guided by established customs and procedures.
The clarification comes amid widespread discussions on social media after photos and videos of Baba Ijesha’s visit to the palace went viral, with many users claiming that the actor had become a chief in Ile-Ife.
The reports generated mixed reactions, particularly because Baba Ijesha remains a controversial public figure following his legal troubles in recent years.
The actor was convicted in 2022 over a sexual assault case involving a minor after a trial that attracted nationwide attention.
His conviction generated widespread public debate and divided opinions among Nigerians.
Following the completion of his prison sentence, Baba Ijesha has gradually returned to public life and has resumed appearances at entertainment and social events.
His recent visit to the Ooni’s palace therefore attracted significant attention online, leading to speculation that he had been honoured with a traditional title.
The latest clarification by the palace is expected to put an end to the speculation.
The Ooni reaffirmed his commitment to supporting deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and the larger Oodua race through encouragement and recognition.
He added that while he remains passionate about celebrating achievements, the integrity and sanctity of the traditional chieftaincy institution must always be protected.
According to the monarch, traditional titles are sacred honours that carry cultural, historical and spiritual significance and therefore cannot be conferred outside the established customs of the kingdom.
They noted that the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of confirming sensitive reports involving traditional institutions, public officials and prominent personalities before presenting them as facts.
With the palace’s official position now made public, attention has shifted away from the speculation over a chieftaincy title to the monarch’s gesture of honouring Baba Ijesha and his family following the birth of their child.
The Ooni maintained that while the actor received royal blessings, gifts and goodwill during the visit, no traditional title was conferred on him, and any report suggesting otherwise should be disregarded.