Baba Ijesha announces chieftaincy title from Ooni of Ife
Nollywood actor Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has claimed that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, bestowed a chieftaincy title on him during a visit to the monarch’s palace. The actor made the announcement in a Facebook post on Wednesday, sharing photographs of himself and his wife, fashion entrepreneur Abiodun Tokunbo, alongside the Ooni.
According to Baba Ijesha, the Ooni conferred on him the title of Baba Awada Konge Oduwa and also presented him with a brand-new car as a gift. The actor expressed his gratitude in the post, writing: “My deepest gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife. Baba, thank you for the royal welcome, fatherly love, and the confidence you gave my wife Afolashade Omiyinka and I. For the luxurious gifts you blessed us with, and the brand new car. I am truly humbled. As a son of the soil. I’m also honoured by the chieftaincy title, Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. Ile Ife, Ile Oodua and the chiefs and citizens, thank you, sir, ma.”
Palace yet to confirm honour
As of the time of filing this report, the Ooni’s palace had not publicly confirmed the honour or the gift of the car. The actor’s wife, Ms Tokunbo, also shared photographs from the palace visit on her Instagram Story on Wednesday, posting images of herself and her husband in the same outfits seen in the pictures Baba Ijesha shared. However, she did not mention the monarch or the reported chieftaincy honour, simply captioning one photo: “My yesterday’s outfit was good, my husband’s outfit was on point.”
Background: Recent release from prison and baby announcement
This development comes just months after Baba Ijesha regained his freedom, having completed a prison sentence for child sexual assault. In December 2024, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the couple welcomed a son, King Kagar, seven months after his release. The announcement surprised many followers, as neither Baba Ijesha nor Ms Tokunbo had publicly disclosed a romantic relationship before that. Some social media users initially questioned whether the announcement was a skit or promotional content, a practice common among entertainers online. As controversy brewed, the couple remained silent, save for Baba Ijesha’s close ally, actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi, who publicly defended him.
The actor’s latest claim of a chieftaincy title has sparked mixed reactions online, with many awaiting official confirmation from the Ooni’s palace.
