The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that Nollywood actor and comedian James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was recently conferred with a chieftaincy title.
In a statement issued by the palace, the monarch clarified that Baba Ijesha and his wife were received at the Ile Oodua Palace to celebrate the birth of their son. During the visit, the Ooni presented the actor with a brand-new car and cash gifts as a gesture of goodwill and support.
The palace explained that the phrase “Awada Konge Oduwa,” which the actor later described on social media as a chieftaincy title, was merely a humorous remark made by the monarch in recognition of Baba Ijesha’s achievements in comedy and was never intended to be an official traditional title.
According to the statement, no chieftaincy title was conferred on the actor, stressing that the installation of chiefs in Ile-Ife follows a well-established traditional process involving consultations, customary rites and public ceremonies, none of which took place during the visit.
While noting that Baba Ijesha, as an indigene of Ile-Ife, remains worthy of honour and may be considered for a traditional title in the future, the palace urged the public to disregard claims that he had been installed as “Awada Konge Oduwa” or granted any chieftaincy title.
The Ooni also reaffirmed his commitment to recognising and supporting deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife while preserving the integrity and sacred traditions surrounding the conferment of chieftaincy titles.
