The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that he conferred a chieftaincy title on popular Nollywood actor and comedian, James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni's Palace, Mr. Moses Olafare, the revered monarch clarified that although Baba Ijesha and his wife were warmly received at the palace to celebrate the birth of their son, no traditional title was bestowed on the actor.
According to the statement, the Ooni presented Baba Ijesha with a brand-new car and cash gifts as an expression of his fatherly affection and royal generosity. However, the monarch stressed that the phrase "Awada Konge Oduwa," which the actor later described on social media as a chieftaincy title, was merely a humorous remark made in appreciation of his outstanding contribution to comedy.
Oba Ogunwusi explained that the expression was never intended to serve as a formal installation or conferment of any traditional title.
The monarch further noted that while Baba Ijesha, being an indigene of Ile-Ife and a proud son of the ancient city, is worthy of honour and may be considered for a chieftaincy title in the future, no such title has been conferred on him at this time.
He emphasized that the conferment of chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife is a sacred traditional process governed by established customs, consultations, and traditional rites, all of which are conducted publicly in accordance with the age-long traditions of the kingdom.
The Ooni pointed out that none of these customary procedures took place during Baba Ijesha's recent visit to the palace.
While appreciating the actor for acknowledging the royal kindness extended to him and his family, the Ooni urged media organisations and members of the public to disregard reports suggesting that Baba Ijesha had been installed as "Awada Konge Oduwa" or conferred with any chieftaincy title.
The monarch reaffirmed his commitment to celebrating and supporting deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and the Oduduwa race, while preserving the sanctity, dignity, and integrity of the revered traditional institution of chieftaincy.