The palace of the Ooni of Ife has denied claims by actor James Olarenwaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, that he was conferred with a chieftaincy title by the monarch, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Speaking with Saturday Beats, the Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said he could only confirm that the actor received a car from the monarch, stressing that he had no knowledge of any chieftaincy title being bestowed on him.
“I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car,” Olafare said.
The clarification follows Baba Ijesha’s announcement on Facebook that the Ooni honoured him after the birth of his son with several royal gifts, including a new car and a chieftaincy title.
The actor expressed gratitude to the monarch, describing the gesture as an act of fatherly love and royal honour extended to him and his wife, fashion designer Abiodun Tokunbo, popularly known as Luminee.
Baba Ijesha also claimed he was conferred with the title, “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa, Ile Ife, Ile Oodua.”
However, Olafare maintained that while the Ooni is known for giving out vehicles to deserving individuals, he could not verify the actor’s claim of receiving a chieftaincy title.
“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,” he said.
He added that many people, including himself and Fuji musicians Haruna Ishola and Sefiu Alao, had benefited from the monarch’s generosity.
Another palace source also dismissed Baba Ijesha’s claim, insisting that formal chieftaincy titles are not conferred in the manner described by the actor.
The source described the claim as “probably a joke,” adding that there was no record of such a title being bestowed on Baba Ijesha.
The controversy comes as the actor continues to draw public attention following the birth of his son. Recently, Baba Ijesha shared a video of himself travelling with his wife and their newborn, saying it was the first time he had embarked on a trip with his own family.
In the video, he praised his wife, describing her as a beautiful queen, thanked her for standing by him, and prayed for God’s blessings, protection and lasting peace over their family.
