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.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, the Ooni’s spokeperson, Moses Olafare, said he was aware that the actor received a car from the monarch but knew nothing about any chieftaincy title.
“I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car,” Olafare said.
His reaction came after Baba Ijesha announced on Facebook that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, honoured him following the birth of his son with several royal gifts, including a new car and a chieftaincy title.
Expressing gratitude to the monarch, the actor described the gesture as a display of fatherly love and royal honour extended to him and his wife, fashion designer Abiodun Tokunbo, popularly known as Luminee.
According to Baba Ijesha, he was bestowed with the title, “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. Ile Ife, Ile Oodua!”
However, Olafare maintained that while the monarch is known for giving out cars, he could not confirm the claim about the 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 added, “So many people have benefited from Kabiyesi’s car gifts, including me and popular people like Haruna Ishola and Sefiu Alao. He gives out cars almost every day.”
Another palace source also dismissed the claim that Baba Ijesha received a formal chieftaincy title, insisting that such honours were not conferred in that manner.
The source described the claim as “probably a joke,” adding, “I am not aware of the chieftaincy title.”
The development comes as Baba Ijesha continues to attract public attention following the birth of his son.
The actor recently shared a video showing him travelling with his wife and their newborn child. In the caption, he stated that it was the first time in his life he had embarked on a trip with his own family.
Speaking with visible excitement, Baba Ijesha praised his “wife”, describing her as a beautiful queen and thanking her for standing by him. He also prayed for God’s protection over their home, asking for long life and declaring that no one should separate them.
By Temitope Adetunji
