Ooni of Ife's palace denies actor Baba Ijesha received chieftaincy title

The palace of the Ooni of Ife has officially denied reports that actor James Olarenwaju, known as Baba Ijesha, was conferred with a chieftaincy title by the monarch. The denial comes after Baba Ijesha himself announced on Facebook that the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, had honored him with royal gifts, including a new car and a chieftaincy title, following the birth of his son.

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I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car.

Moses Olafare, the Ooni's spokesperson, confirmed awareness of the car gift but stated he had no knowledge of any chieftaincy title being bestowed. "I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car," Olafare said. He noted that the monarch frequently gives out cars as gifts, a practice that is not uncommon and has benefited many individuals, including public figures.

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Kabiyesi gives cars to people. This is not the first time. He has given cars to so many people, including kings and individuals, and it is not a new thing.

Further reinforcing the denial, another palace source dismissed the claim about the chieftaincy title as "probably a joke." The source insisted that formal chieftaincy honors are not conferred in the manner described by the actor, adding, "I am not aware of the chieftaincy title." The actor had described the alleged title as “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. Ile Ife, Ile Oodua!”

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I am not aware of the chieftaincy title.

The clarification follows Baba Ijesha's public expression of gratitude to the Ooni, whom he described as displaying "fatherly love and royal honour." The actor also recently shared his joy over the birth of his son, traveling with his wife and newborn and expressing deep appreciation for his wife's support.

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probably a joke