Ooni of Ife denies chieftaincy title for Baba Ijesha
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has denied conferring a chieftaincy title on actor Olanrewaju “Baba Ijesha” James, following widespread backlash over the claim. In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the Ooni clarified that the remark made during Baba Ijesha’s visit to the palace was a light-comedy gesture, not a formal traditional installation.
Backlash over Baba Ijesha’s announcement
Baba Ijesha had announced on his social media that the Ooni bestowed on him the title “Awada Konge Oduwa” during a visit with his wife, fashion entrepreneur Abiodun Tokunbo. The announcement sparked outrage online, with many Nigerians accusing the Ooni of honoring a man convicted of sexually assaulting a child, despite Baba Ijesha having served his prison sentence. Critics argued that such titles reflect societal values and should not be given to individuals with criminal convictions.
Ooni’s official denial
In the statement, the Ooni said: “The expression ‘Awada Konge Oduwa’, which Baba Ijesha later described on his social media pages as a chieftaincy title, was merely a light-comedy remark made by the Ooni during a relaxed interaction in recognition of the actor’s outstanding career as a comedian. The remark was never intended to constitute a formal installation or conferment of a traditional title.” He emphasized that chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife follow sacred customs and public rites, none of which occurred during the visit.
Gifts and royal generosity
The Ooni explained that he hosted Baba Ijesha and his wife to celebrate the birth of their son, King Kagar. He gave the actor a new car and cash gifts as a gesture of fatherly affection and royal generosity, not as part of any chieftaincy conferment. The Ooni described Baba Ijesha as a proud indigene of Ile-Ife deserving of honor, and noted that he could be considered for a chieftaincy title in the future through proper procedures.
Call to disregard the claim
The Ooni commended Baba Ijesha for publicly acknowledging the royal gesture and called on the media and the public to disregard the chieftaincy claim. He reaffirmed his commitment to celebrating deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife while upholding the sanctity of the traditional chieftaincy institution. As of press time, neither Baba Ijesha nor his wife has responded to the Ooni’s denial.
