The Palace of the Ooni of Ife has dismissed widespread reports claiming that Nollywood actor and comedian James Olanrewaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, was recently conferred with a chieftaincy title by the revered monarch.
The clarification followed growing speculation on social media after the actor shared posts suggesting he had been honoured with the title "Awada Konge Oduwa" during a recent visit to the royal palace in Ile-Ife.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni's Palace, Moses Olafare, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, explained that although Baba Ijesha and his wife were warmly received at the palace on Wednesday to celebrate the birth of their newborn son, no traditional title was bestowed on the actor.
According to the monarch, the visit was purely a moment of celebration and goodwill. As part of his royal gesture, the Ooni presented Baba Ijesha with a brand-new car and cash gifts as an expression of fatherly affection and generosity. However, he stressed that these gifts should not be interpreted as evidence of a chieftaincy installation.
The palace further explained that the phrase "Awada Konge Oduwa," which the actor later described on his social media platforms as a chieftaincy title, was simply a light-hearted remark made by the monarch in recognition of Baba Ijesha's contributions to comedy and entertainment.
Olafare stated that the Ooni never intended the remark to be interpreted as a formal traditional honour or installation.
The monarch also acknowledged Baba Ijesha's roots as an indigene of Ile-Ife, noting that he remains a worthy son of the ancient town who could be considered for such an honour in the future through the appropriate traditional process.
"However, no such title has been conferred on him. The conferment of chieftaincy titles in Ile-Ife remains a sacred traditional process governed by established customs, consultations and traditional rites, which are publicly conducted in accordance with the age-long traditions of the source.
"None of these customary procedures took place during the actor's visit to the Palace," the Ooni said.
While expressing appreciation to Baba Ijesha for acknowledging the kindness shown to him and his family, the monarch urged media organisations and members of the public to disregard reports alleging that the actor had been installed as the "Awada Konge Oduwa" or granted any chieftaincy title.
The Ooni reaffirmed his commitment to recognising and encouraging deserving sons and daughters of Ile-Ife and the wider Oodua race. He also stressed that the palace would continue to uphold the sanctity, dignity and integrity of the traditional institution of chieftaincy by ensuring that every conferment strictly follows established customs and long-standing cultural procedures.